Stigmatization and discrimination as predictors of self-esteem of people living with HIV and AIDS in Nigeria

BACKGROUND: Self-esteem is a major psychological health issue. People living with HIV and AIDS have been found to be victims of discrimination and stigmatization which affect their self-esteem. OBJECTIVES: The study investigated the influence of stigma and discrimination on self-esteem of people living with HIV and AIDS (PLHIV). METHODS: The design was a cross-sectional study carried out in four teaching hospitals in south-eastern Nigeria between 13th July 2016 – 11th May 2017. Four hundred and eighty-four (174 males and 310 females) PLHIV participated in the study. Quantitative study supplemented by qualitative in-depth interviews were used to collect data regarding discrimination, stigma and self-esteem of PLHIV whilst a structured questionnaire was used to elicit information about the socio-demographic variables. RESULTS: Stigmatization and discrimination were found to have significant influence on self-esteem of PLHIV. The results indicate that stigmatization and discrimination, together with income, work status, AIDS diagnosis status, and medication use status significantly influence self-esteem of PLHIV. These results imply that stigmatization and discrimination influences on self-esteem among PLHIV. CONCLUSION: Conclusively, intervention programmes should evolve enlightenment through television, movies, and educational programs that incorporate the ill effects of discrimination and stigma so as to boost self-esteem of PLHIV.