The association of HIV-related stigma and psychosocial factors and HIV treatment outcomes among people living with HIV in the Volta region of Ghana: A mixed-methods study

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0002994
• Publication Date: 2024-02-29T18:36:42Z
• Authors: Jerry John Nutor; Akua O. Gyamerah; Henry Ofori Duah; David Ayangba Asa...; Rachel G. A. Thom...; Robert Kaba Alhassan; Alison Hamilton
• Keywords: Stigma; Thematic Analysis; Social stigma

Stigma and discrimination have been identified as significant barriers to HIV treatment among people living with (PLWH). stigma affects decision seek testing early treatment. Evidence shows that undermines antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence by affecting the psychological process such adjusting coping social support. In Ghana, toward PLWH occurs in many ways including rejection their communities family members, ostracism, refusal engage interactions eating, sharing a bed, or shaking hands. Therefore. we examined PLWH’s experiences different forms of HIV-related impact on outcome Volta region Ghana. We employed convergent mixed-method approach consisting survey 181 PLWH, four focus group discussions 24 respondents, in-depth interviews six providers. performed independent samples t-test, ANOVA, chi-square test associations bivariate analysis analyzed qualitative data using thematic analysis. all, 49% respondents reported experiencing high internalized stigma, which was associated support depression (p<0.001). interviews, anticipated most salient concern followed enacted all negatively impacted care. experienced multiple levels affected psychosocial outcomes. Findings suggest urgent need for HIV-stigma reduction intervention family, providers, community members.