The experiences of people living with HIV/AIDS receiving health care services at Lighthouse Clinic, Lilongwe, Malawi : A contribution to an understanding of the basis of HIV/AIDS related stigma

Abstract

It is widely recognized that HIV and AIDS related stigma is a hindrance to provision of care and prevention efforts globally. Malawi being one of the countries with a high HIV prevalence rate in the sub-Saharan region has not been spared of this epidemic and the challenges that are brought by stigma. While a number of surveys have indicated the magnitude of HIV and AIDS stigma little is known on how HIV and AIDS stigma is constructed in the Malawian urban setting.

The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of people living with HIV and AIDS in Malawi where stigma attached to HIV/AIDS has been reported to be a big challenge.

This was an ethnographic study that was conducted in a clinic setting in an urban area of Lilongwe in Malawi. Data was generated through 25 and 11 semi-structured interviews with people living with HIV and AIDS and with people holding key positions in HIV and AIDS related activities.

The findings demonstrate interplay of a number of socio-cultural factors that underlie the construction of stigma in Malawi and how it has affected PLWHAs lives at different societal levels. The cultural factors have influenced the way people attach meanings to HIV and AIDS as well as to the people infected.