| Summary: | 碩士 === 國立陽明大學 === 國際衛生碩士學位學程 === 101 === ABSTRACT
India is one of the countries in the world that has been struck hardest by the HIV/AIDS pandemic. Social response to HIV/AIDS is characterized by high level of stigma, discrimination and challenge to human dignity. Very little is known about the challenges of stigma and discrimination face by the people living in low prevalence contexts. Low prevalence and rural communities are unique environments in which HIV/AIDS stigma and discrimination may be deepened due to the inequality of caste, gender and greater fear of HIV. This study investigates how HIV stigma impacts the lived experiences of people living with HIV in general and their medical seeking behaviour in particular, to explore the power structure of the society within the HIV context. This study also examines how gender relation shapes women and men’s experience of HIV differently. This study adopts qualitative approach to conduct the investigation, including fourteen in-depth interviews, one focus group discussion and participatory observation in ART centre. Research participants experience stigma and acts of discrimination in different settings such as family and community. Behaviour and emotional responses to HIV stigma includes fear, living with secrets and isolation. Research findings suggest that interventions are needed to mitigate people’s experience with stigma and discrimination. A tailored intervention needs to address the stigma and discrimination for individuals and community-at-large.
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