Psychosocial Problems Encountered By Art Drug Users: The Case of Debrebireiian Zonal Hospital Amhara Region

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Date

2007-07

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Addis Ababa University

Abstract

The threat of psychosocial problems, such as stigma and discrimination may prevent people living with HIV/ AIDS from revealing their status to others, and serve as the major barrier to HIV treatment and ART adherence. The purpose of this study was to assess whether psychosocial problems existed or not in clients of ART, and then if it was real, which gender was more susceptible to the existing problem. In this study, data were analyzed from 165 respondents of male and female respondents who have been selected purposively from 552 total populations, ART users, at Debrebrehan Zonal Hospital. Of which 91(55.2%) of respondents were f emales and 74(44.8%) of them were males. The results of chisquare analysis for both psychological and social variables are significant. This is not true for gender analysis. Data were collected by the use of questionnaires, FGD and in-depth interview. According to the findings of this study, psychological and social problems, such as depression, stress, and fe eling of shame, stigma and discrimination are those that influence access and adherence of ART significantly. With regards to the services offered and ART related psychosocial problems of the two genders, it is insignificant. In conclusion, there are psychosocial problems related to ART drug access and adherence on h, the users as well as the public. Hence, providing effective counseling service for ART users, creating awareness for the public to minimize stigma and discrimination, social discussion about HIV/ AIDS and its treatment, provision of adequate education, empathic understanding and social support will be suggested

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Keywords

people living with HIV/ AIDS from revealing their status

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