Stigma experienced by women living with HIV/AIDS in Aceh province: A phenomenological study

Abstract

Objective

Women infected with HIV/AIDS are at high risk of living a painful life, such as being rejected by family, friends and life partners. It is not easy for a woman to accept that she is infected with HIV, especially from her husband. Women will experience various processes and stages of grieving that lead to that self-acceptance of a woman infected with HIV/AIDS. This study aims to understand the stigma experienced by the women infected with HIV/AIDS in Aceh Province.

Method

It is a qualitative study with a phenomenological approach utilizing purposive sampling and snowball sampling technique. The research was conducted by in-depth interviews with five participants recorded using MP4 and equipped with field notes from January to April 2020. The interview transcript was verbatim analyzed using steps according to Colaizzi.

Result

The study identified two themes, (1) emerging negative perceptions of HIV/AIDS and (2) Rejection from the community.

Conclusion

The study demonstrated the stigma experienced by the women infected with HIV/AIDS. It recommends becoming evidence for policy-makers to develop and improve the quality of services that consider not only on physical but also on the psychological needs for the women infected with HIV/AIDS.