The Experience of Persons with HIV / AIDS in Addis Ababa and their Relations with Institutions Rendering Health and Counseling , Services
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Date
2000-05
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AAU
Abstract
This research has foc used on investi gating a range of issues re lated to the
chall enges being faced by Persons With HIV / AIDS (PW As). Through establishing
trust among selected PW As, particular emphasis was put on examining the nature of
the problems they are faced with in their day-to-day lives in the process of interaction
with spo Llses, families, friends and institutions that are rendering sC'rv ices for persons
with HIV.
The study has confirmed that the stigma attached to HIV!.-\IDS is one of the
most crucial factors that affect the readiness of PW As to disclose or not to disclose
their sero status to their partners. It is difficult for them to change their sexual
havi r even if this involves a potential danger of infecting the other partner.
It has been revealed in this study that there are differn ti al responses by
spouses and caregivers to PW As. Some families and partners have managed to
accept the situation in which a member of their family and/or spouse is found and try
to offer their support to let him/her live positively with AIDS. On l. he other hand,
there have been instances where the revelation of one's sero status caLlses instability
and separation of partners. The stigma towards PW As and lack of sufficient
knowledge on the part of caregivers has many PW A from getting the necessary care
and die with dignity.