The study presents the experiences and consequences of stigma and
discrimination faced by People living with HIV/AIDS in
their own family, society and health care setting in the central Terai Region of Nepal. The general objective of this study was to find out HIV/AIDS-related stigma and
discrimination. This is a qualitative study conducted in major cities of Central Terai Region. Primary data were collected through in-depth interview and FGD.
The total numbers of respondents in this research were 18. Among them, 10 were male and 8 were female. Most of the respondents were between 15 to 35 years of age. Eleven respondents were married and 13 respondents had up to lower secondary level education.
Sexual intercourse followed by syringe sharing were found main mode of transmission of HIV. Male were most involved in sex with female sex workers and females were mostly affected by sex with HIV positive husband. Most of the PLHA were diagnosed between 1 to 5 years indicates that PLHA group is highly composed of new cases.
Restriction to go in outside, restriction to go in media and use of different utensils for eating purpose were found main forms of discrimination within family. One six of the total respondents did not get any financial support after they were diagnosed as HIV and one third respondents said that their family was poor and couldn’t support them. Similarly, restriction to participate in social work, refuse to buy something from PLHA shop, assault, harass and insult were found main forms of discrimination in the society. Two respondents said that they had very bitter experience in health care setting and six respondents replied that they had history of health institution that refuse to treat as a result of their HIV condition. Five respondents said that they did not get any counseling from health worker after they were diagnoses as positive.
Community awareness, home based care, job guarantee and availability of ARV in an affordable cost were identified by PLHA as a permanent solution for the treatment, care and support of them.