Volume 4, Number 2

Quantum of studies has shown that the major set-back in HIV treatment is the issue of stigma and discrimination. This study examined the experience of stigmatisation by persons living with HIV/AIDS in a health facility in Nigeria as well as the relationship between social support and health care-seeking behaviour. A total of 210 respondents participated in the study. Data were gathered using questionnaires and in-depth interviews (IDI). Incidentally, 90 per cent and 87.5 per cent of the respondents indicated that they did not experience any form of stigma and discrimination among friends or at places of work respectively. Non-experience of stigma and discrimination was due to non-disclosure of HIV status. A total of 66 per cent of the respondents revealed that their participation in the group activities enabled them to receive social support needed to cope with their health conditions. The majority of the respondents (89.5%) revealed that the caring attitudes of care providers also encouraged them to comply with treatment. Thus, regression analysis shows a positive relationship between group support and group participation (p<0.05) as well as group participation and health care seeking behaviour (p<0.05). The study recommends effective group activities among PLHIV and by extension people with similar diseases.

Keywords: HIV/AIDS; group membership; social support; social capital; PLHIV.