Relationship between Psychotherapy and Mitigation of Self-Stigmitization among Adult Persons Living with HIV in Nairobi City, Kenya
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Date
2024-06
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Publisher
Kenyatta University
Abstract
Human Immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has caused devastation globally. There are about 80 million persons living with HIV(PLWH). Consequences remain dire, especially in Sub-Sahara Africa (SSA). This study intended to show the relationship between psychotherapy and mitigation of self-stigmatization among Adult PLWH in Embakasi East Sub-County (referred to as Embakasi East), Nairobi City, County (referred to as Nairobi City), Kenya. The objectives of the study were to: 1. To find out the prevalence of self-stigmatization among adult PLWH, 2. to determine the emotional reactions among adult PLWH experiencing self-stigmatization, 3. to establish the thought patterns arising from self-stigmatization among adult PLWH, 4. to isolate the common behaviours associated with adult PLWH suffering from self-stigmatization, and 5. to establish the extent psychotherapy can impact self-stigmatization experienced by Adult PLWH. Research questions were: 1. How prevalent was self-stigmatization in Embakasi East? 2. What emotional reactions were common among adult PLWH experiencing self-stigmatization? 3. What were the thought patterns of PLWH arising from Self-Stigmatization? 4. What were their shared behaviours? 5. Did adult PLWH in Embakasi East, using Psychotherapy Services feel it mitigated self-stigmatization they experienced? The study was guided by Social Cognitive Theory. The related literature review was derived from the study objectives. The interplay of the study variables was related to the conceptual framework at the end of chapter two. This review used descriptive research design. Psychotherapy treatment applied was the independent variable, dependent variable being level of self-stigmatization among adult PLWH. Intervening variables were HIV care, prevention and treatment, support accorded to PLWH, treatment adherence and spirituality. The study population were the 3,886 adult PLWH registered for ART treatment at 7 public health centres in Embakasi East. A sample of 246 was drawn, with 6 informants purposively selected from the public health centres. Proportionate random sampling was used in selecting the male and female, then random sampling used to construct the sample. Informants were interviewed while the sampled PLWH completed questionnaires. Pilot testing of study tools was conducted at Mlolongo Centre, Athi River, Machakos County. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis were applied on evidence and qualitative data respectively. The response rate was 100%. The findings showed that self-stigmatization was very prevalent, caused by the respondents themselves and those around them. They felt hated, them hating themselves and never wanted their HIV status known. A few who utilized psychotherapy service confirmed having been relieved from their pain, and they recommended it to others. The study recommended that authorities consider committing resources on psychotherapy as a solution to self-stigmatization among PLWH and invigorating sensitization of the society on supporting PLWH’s being. Further work is recommended on the significance of psycho support in managing HIV-related stigmatization and relationship between the other forms of HIV-stigmatization and self stigmatization.
Description
A Research Project Report Submitted to the School of Law, Arts and Social Sciences in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Award of a Degree in Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology of Kenyatta University, June 2024.
Supervisor
Davis M. Gatua