Psycho-social connotations in people afflicted and affected by HIV/AIDS: a preliminary report

Abstract

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Psychosocial ramifications are significant components in HIV infections as they affect not only those infected but also those around them in families and society. There is a scarcity of data on these aspects in Sri Lanka. This study was undertaken to ascertain the psycho-social problems faced by people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV) attending the HIV clinic of the National STD/AIDS Control Programme, Colombo, Infectious Diseases Hospital (IDH), Angoda, and their family members (FMs). METHODS: It was a prospective cross-sectional descriptive analytical study. The study sample consisted of 100 PLHIVs and 100 FMs (one FM for each of the PLHIV). The clinical notes were perused and a pre-tested, interviewer administered, purpose-designed questionnaire together with the internationally validated General Health Questionnaire 30 (GHQ-30) were administered to all 200 patients. Results: Among PLHIVs 69 were males and among FMs 26 were males. Psychological distress (GHQ score more than 5) was present in 53 PLHIVs and 32 FMs. Some of the common adverse experiences of the PLHIVs were change of job (38 out of 82 employed persons), experiencing stigma (14%) and problems with clinic attendance (43%). Main fears of PLHIVs were suffering, rejection by family and or friends and rejection by community. A similar trend was seen with FMs. CONCLUSIONS: The study showed a significant occurrence of psycho-social disturbances in PLHIV and their FMs.