Internalized HIV/AIDS-related Stigma in a Sample of HIV-positive People in Bangladesh.
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Date
2012-03
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Abstract
Internalized stigma among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHA) is prevalent in Bangladesh. A better understanding
of the effects of stigma on PLHA is required to reduce this and to minimize its harmful effects.
This study employed a quantitative approach by conducting a survey with an aim to know the prevalence
of internalized stigma and to identify the factors associated with internalized stigma among a sample of
238 PLHA (male=152 and female=86) in Bangladesh. The findings suggest that there is a significant difference
between groups with the low- and the high-internalized HIV/AIDS stigma in terms of both age and
gender. The prevalence of internalized stigma varied according to the poverty status of PLHA. An exploratory
factor analysis (EFA) found 10 of 15 items loaded highly on the three factors labelled self-acceptance,
self-exclusion, and social withdrawal. About 68% of the PLHA felt ashamed, and 54% felt guilty because of
their HIV status. More than half (87.5% male and 19.8% female) of the PLHA blamed themselves for their
HIV status while many of them (38.2% male and 8.1% female) felt that they should be punished. The male
PLHA more frequently chose to withdraw themselves from family and social gatherings compared to the
female PLHA. They also experienced a higher level of internalized stigma compared to the female PLHA.
The results suggest that the prevalence of internalized stigma is high in Bangladesh, and much needs to be
done by different organizations working for and with the PLHA to reduce internalized stigma among this
vulnerable group.
Description
Keywords
Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, Discrimination, Human immunodeficiency virus, Stigma, Bangladesh
Citation
Hasan Md. Tanvir, NathSamir Ranjan, Khan Nabilah S, Akram Owasim, Gomes Tony Michael, Rashid Sabina F. Internalized HIV/AIDS-related Stigma in a Sample of HIV-positive People in Bangladesh. Journal of Health, Population and Nutrition. 2012 Mar; 30(1): 22-30.