Discrimination among people living with HIV attending an antiretroviral therapy Centre in Gwalior: a cross-sectional study

Sourav Mandal; Praveen Gautam; Biswarup Ray

doi:10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20261775

Authors

Sourav Mandal Department of Community Medicine, Gajra Raja Medical College, Gwalior, M. P., India
Praveen Gautam Department of Community Medicine, Gajra Raja Medical College, Gwalior, M. P., India
Biswarup Ray IQ City Medical College and Hospital, Durgapur, West Bengal, Kolkata, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20261775

Keywords:

People living with HIV, Antiretroviral therapy, Discrimination, AIDS, Stigma

Abstract

Background: In India, despite advances in HIV prevention and treatment, the well-being of people living with HIV (PLHIV) continues to be affected by persistent stigma and discrimination. Beyond community-level prejudice, discriminatory attitudes within families remain common and are influenced by socio-economic factors and access to accurate HIV-related information. Family-level discrimination continues to pose a significant challenge to the overall HIV response.

Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional design conducted over a twelve-month period. The study focused on 380 HIV-positive participants within the 25 to 35 years of age. Assessments were performed using a structured questionnaire to access the discrimination. Data were analysed using SPSS v27, with p<0.05 considered significant. Chi square test was applied wherever appropriate.

Results: Out of 380 participants, 85 (22.4%) reported having faced discrimination, while the majority, 295 (77.6%), did not report any discriminatory experiences.

Conclusions: The findings indicate that although overt discrimination is uncommon among most PLHIV, it remains a substantial barrier for vulnerable groups, including those socially marginalized, newly enrolled in treatment, or lacking domestic support. Discrimination, in conjunction with stigma, continues to negatively influence mental health and overall well-being.

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