Effects of a self-stigma reduction program among people living with HIV in Akat Amnuay Hospital, Sakon Nakhon Province

Abstract

This action research was undertaken to reduce self-stigmatization of HIV-infected people in Akat Amnuay Hospital. The participants included 97 infected HIV cases who received ARV clinic service. Data collection took place from December 2022 to May 2023. Research tools included interviews with HIV-infected individuals and the self-stigma reduction program. Data were collected from group activity records, individual follow-up records, observational records of conceptual thinking, and problem-solving skills. Qualitative data were analyzed through categorization, inferential analysis, interpretation of meaning, conclusions, and explanatory exploration. Descriptive statistics, including frequency, percentage, mean, and paired t-test, were applied for quantitative data analysis. The results of the evaluation of self-stigmatization before and after the intervention indicated a significant decrease (p-value <0.0001). In Activity 1, the impact of stigmatization is characterized by perceiving stigma as negative, causing feelings of inferiority and a fear of being judged. This fear of stigmatization represents a major obstacle to self-disclosure among individuals living with HIV. Strategies employed to alleviate patient stigma involve empowerment through fostering positive thinking. Activity 2 involves discussing personal experiences when facing challenges. Participants share their ability to advise friends on problem-solving, recognizing that some issues may be unsolvable or challenging to address adequately. Collaborative learning, facilitated through the use of weighing tables, has proven effective in generating solutions to previously identified problems. In Activity 3, titled “Self-esteem,” researchers reflected on their thoughts and self-stigma scores from previous activities, considering their connection with HIV. The evaluation, based on responses to flashcards addressing self-worth, revealed that positive attributes such as goodness, ethics, and self-worth persist despite being HIV-positive. It emphasizes that being HIV-positive does not diminish one’s personality.