Assessment Of Healthcare Providers And Clients’ Perspectives On Hiv/ Aids Stigma And Discrimination In Public Health Facilities In Anambra State

This study examines the assessment of healthcare providers and clients' perspectives on HIV/AIDS stigma and discrimination in public health facilities in Anambra State. HIV/AIDS continues to be a global health challenge, affecting millions of people worldwide. Beyond its physical and medical implications, HIV/AIDS also incurs significant social and psychological burdens due to stigma and discrimination associated with the disease. Stigma refers to the negative attitudes, beliefs, and stereotypes that society holds towards individuals living with HIV/AIDS, while discrimination refers to the unfair treatment and exclusion experienced by those individuals. 

The study conducted in public health facilities in Anambra State, Nigeria, aimed to understand the perspectives of both healthcare providers and clients regarding HIV/AIDS stigma and discrimination. Through rigorous analysis of survey data and hypothesis testing, several key findings emerged. 

Firstly, it was revealed that the decision to disclose one's HIV/AIDS status was not significantly influenced by the perceived fears of healthcare workers and patients' reactions, indicating multifaceted factors at play beyond mere apprehension. Secondly, despite concerns, disclosure of HIV/AIDS status was not found to frequently result in stigmatization and discrimination, suggesting a positive shift in societal attitudes and increased awareness surrounding the virus. 

However, a concerning discovery was the lack of established policies and program guidelines in public health facilities to address HIV/AIDS-specific issues, highlighting a critical gap in addressing the needs and rights of individuals living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria. These findings underscore the importance of targeted interventions and policy reform to combat HIV/AIDS stigma and discrimination effectively while ensuring comprehensive support for affected individuals within the healthcare system.