Social Reactions and Depression Among HIV Positive Women

Abstract

The social reactions towards the WLHA is devastating and the depression due to HIV is to be addressed. There is a need for behavioural and attitudinal change regarding women with HIV. To elicit the socio-demographic background of the respondents. To find out the awareness of HIV/AIDS in WLHA. To know the mode of transmission of HIV /AIDS in WLHA. To study the reactions of family members and society towards WLHA. To examine the responses of the Employer and the Coworker about WLHA. To explore the depressive domains in the WLHA. The descriptive research design, for understating and describing the social reactions and depression among women living with HIV/AIDS. Women with HIV positive status and above 18 years from Government Hospital, Madurai, Parent to child transmission of HIV(PPTCT), Anti retro viral therapy center(ART), and Integrated counselling and testing center (ICTC) constitute the population of study. The hospital catered to PLHA from all parts of Tamil Nadu. The data were collected from 102 respondents through census method. Interview schedule as the main tool for data collection. For social reactions. Apart from interview schedule observation was also used as a secondary tool to gather information. To study the depressive status of the respondents the center for epidemiology depression scale (CES-D) by Radloff was adopted by the investigator. There is awareness on HIV but the WLHA face stigma and discrimination from the society. The attitudinal and behavioural change should be inculcated in every individual to eradicate the negative attitude towards the WLHA and programmes should be concentrated on positive living for the WLHA. newline