Abstract:
HIV/AIDS continues to have social, economic and psychological effects among infected and affected persons and their households. This has been further complicated by the negative perceptions and attitudes toward people living with HIV/AIDS as a result of social stigmatization, isolation and discrimination. Women infected with HIV/AIDS have disproportionately been the main victims of the negative perceptions and attitudes and thus face and shoulder the biggest burden of the effects associated with the disease. This study sought to evaluate the impact of HIV/AIDS on the social, economic and psychological status of women infected with HIV/AIDS in Nakuru Municipality. This study adopted an ex post facto research design. The target population included 151 women infected with HIV/AIDS who were members of five counselling associations affiliated to Family Planning Association of Kenya, Nakuru. A proportional random sample of 109 respondents was selected from the five associations. Data acquisition was through administration of a structured questionnaire to the selected respondents. The Data was processed and analysed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 11.5. Findings indicate that negative perceptions and attitudes of the society towards people living with HIV/AIDS have increased social stigmatization, isolation and discrimination of women infected with HIV/AIDS. Lack of adequate access and equity to economic resources has made it difficult for women infected with HIV/AIDS to balance between their medical expenses and family obligations and responsibilities. There is need for vigorous advocacy campaign and awareness in the society to demystify the social stigma of HIV/AIDS among persons infected with the disease, especially women who are the most vulnerable group. There is need to develop appropriate strategies that could address gender-based issues exposing women to the risk of HIV/AIDS infection. These findings will be beneficial to government agencies, policy makers, NGOS and other interested parties in assisting women living with HIV/AIDS cope with their condition.
