Volume : 3, Issue : 4, April - 2014

Stigma �A Social Menace

M. Chellamuthu , Dr. G. Dhanasekaran

Abstract :

Stigma has been identified as a major barrier to health care and quality of life in illness management. But unfortunately there is no common theoretical perspective on stigma. This paper presents the findings of descriptive study to explore the disgrace and social issues faced by people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) Dindigul district, Tamil Nadu. The main aim of the study is to collect data to ing out the hurdles meeting by the people living with HIV/AIDS in different settings. Interview method through personal conduct was used to study the stigma and discrimination of PLWHA. 160 positive cases equally from both sexes were interviewed. Result showing that stigma and discrimination was still determined in local communities even the Central and State Government has formulating a number of programmes through NACO and TANSACS to overcome the problem related to social issues. This study implies that an appropriate measures to be taken and counseling to the family members of PLWHA effectively. Also the campaigns to be organized in the working place to make understand the difficulties of positive people frequently until the general public is sensitized. The data revealed that PLWHA were discomfort in home and in working place. These findings can be used by stakeholders to understand HIV-related stigma and discrimination and implement programmes to reduce this negative behaviour towards People Living with HIV