A Thesis submitted to Jimma University College of Public Health and Medical Sciences, Department of Health Education and Behavioral Sciences; in Partial Fulfillment for the Requirement for Masters of Public Health (MPH) in Health Education and Health promotion.

Abstract

ckground:-HIV Stigma has an extremely important role in the AIDS epidemic, not only because of its effects on HIV-infected individuals, but also because of the ways in which stigma might be contributing to the spread of the epidemic. It profoundly affects the lives of individuals living with HIV/AIDS. Fear of being identified as having HIV may discourage a person from getting tested, from accessing medical services and medications. Objective:-To assess HIV-Related stigma and associated factors among ART clients in Jimma Town. Methods:-A cross-sectional study was conducted from March 11th to April 26th, 2015 in the three ART clinics found in Jimma town; 318 ART clients were responded to interviewer administered questioners after signing a written consent. In addition to sociodemogaraphic, experience of HIV testing/diagnosis and social factors; a 45 likert scale items were used to evaluate the level of experienced (18 items), internalized (17 items) and perceived (10 items) HIV stigma among ART clients in Jimma town. Result:-Three hundred eighteen respondents with 91.8% respondent rate, 204 (64.2%) females and 114 (35.8%) males were responded to the questioner. The majority of resopndents 266 (83.6%) were found in the age group of 25-49 and the mean age of the respondents was 32.9± 8.1. The score of experienced HIV stigma was in the range of 20 to 86.7 with mean score of 41.5 (SD = 12.6), internalized HIV stigma score was in the range of 20 to 96.5 with mean score 50.5 (SD = 16.4); and perceived HIV stigma score was in the range of 20 to 100 with mean score of 56.2 (SD=19.2). Conclusion:-The study revealed that ART use for less than one year, testing for HIV due to spouse HIV positive or death and coercion test were those characteristics statistically associated with the HIV stigma domains. Relatively high level of internalized stigma that show most PLWHA in Jimma town feel ashamed, blame them selves and prejudge their own wrongly for being HIV positive. Their perception about the public is also not good; perceived HIIV stigma score is relatively higher, most of them fear discrimination which may be exerted from the public as a result they were working hard to keep their HIV status secret. Recommendation:-Continuous counseling services should be given for new ART users. Vulentary testing should be encouraged than suspected testing. HIV Stigma reduction programs should be implemented by collaboration among Jimma town health office, ART clinics, net works of positive people and other stakeholders.