Relationship between Psychotherapy and Mitigation of Self-Stigmitization among Adult Persons Living with HIV in Nairobi City, Kenya
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Date
2024-10
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EANSO
Abstract
Human Immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has caused a lot of suffering ever since
the first case was reported. To date there are about 80,000,000 People living
with HIV (PLWH). Although the rate of new infections has reduced, the effects
remain far reaching, especially in Sub-Sahara Africa. Apprehension associated
with HIV often scares many from finding out their HIV standing, considering
restraint methods, avoiding risky conducts, and uplifting of PLWH endeavours.
Many studies focused on HIV testing and counselling services which is for now
mainly service provider driven. The drive of this study was showing the
relationship between psychotherapy and mitigation of self-stigmatization (SS)
among Adult PLWH in Embakasi East Sub-County (herein denoted Embakasi
East), Nairobi City, County (herein denoted Nairobi City), Kenya; Social
Cognitive Theory guided this study, employing descriptive research design on
a target population of 3,886 PLWH registered for ART treatment at 7 public
health centres in Embakasi East, Nairobi City. Cochran’s sample size formula
was applied in determining the suitable sample size of 246 that was confirmed
by the sampling table. Purposive sampling was used to select both the public
health centres and the informants from each centre. Proportionate random
sampling assisted in picking participants (both male and female), then random
sampling was used to construct the sample. The sample of 246 (74 males and
172 females) was drawn, with 6 informants. Informants were interviewed and
questionnaires completed by PLWH. In the analysis of the data, descriptive
statistics, mainly frequencies, percentages and mean were applied on facts
while thematic analysis on qualitative data. The study results showed that SS
was very prevalent, caused by the respondents themselves and those around
them. They acknowledged being hated, them hating themselves and did not
want their HIV status known. Just a few had utilized psychotherapy service,
who agreed that they were relieved a lot of pain they were undergoing, and they
recommended it to others. The study recommended that authorities need to
consider promoting and committing resources for psychotherapy as a solution
to SS among PLWH, invest more in advocacy work, and invigorating sensitization among families on their role in supporting PLWH being.
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Matete, M. & Gatua, D. (2024). Relationship Between Psychotherapy and Mitigation of Self-Stigmitization Among Adult Persons Living with HIV in Nairobi City, Kenya. East African Journal of Arts and Social Sciences, 7(2), 107-124. https://doi.org/10.37284/eajass.7.2.2320