Lived experiences of people living with HIV-A qualitative exploration on the manifestation, drivers, and effects of internalized HIV stigma within the Malawian context.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

HIV-related internalized stigma remains a major contributor to challenges experienced when accessing and providing HIV diagnosis, care and treatment services. It is a key barrier to effective prevention, treatment and care programs. This study investigated experiences of internalized stigma among people living with HIV in Malawi.

Methodology

A participatory cross-sectional study design of participants from eight districts across the three administrative regions of Malawi. Data were collected using Key Informant Interviews (n = 22), Focus Group Discussions (n = 4) and life-stories (n = 10). NVIVO 12 software was used for coding applying both deductive and inductive techniques. Health Stigma and Discrimination Framework was used as a theoretical and analytical fra

SUBMITTER: Kumwenda MK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10138249 | biostudies-literature | 2023

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature