Stigmatization and the Predictors of Reported Discrimination among HIV Positive Patients Receiving Care in Hospitals in Imo State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: HIV related Stigma and discrimination is a reflection of fear of the unknown, driven by ignorance and helplessness that results in negative attitude, beliefs and unfair treatment towards those living with HIV.Objective: To assess knowledge of stigmatization, prevalence of reported discrimination and the socio-demographic and care predictors of discrimination among HIV positive patients receiving care in Health Care Institutions in Imo State, Nigeria. Methods:A cross sectional analytical design using a simple random sampling technique to select 422 HIV positive patients attending the adult HIV clinics from two public health care institutions in Imo State. Data was collected using a pretested semi structured questionnaire. Descriptive analyses were done with frequencies and summary statistics. Chi square statistics were computed to determine significant relationships and simple binary logistic regression was used to determine predictors of HIV related discrimination. The p-value was set at 0.05 significance level.