The Impact of Stigma and Discrimination on HIV Patient: Case Studies from Chittagong City

Abstract

HIV/AIDS is a devastating disease and its prevalence is increasing day by day. Both sufferers and their family members are vulnerable to different unacceptable conditions, and they are stigmatized and discriminated against in society. HIV/AIDS-related stigma and discrimination are of growing concern in the entire world. This qualitative research is based on Case Studies located in Chittagong city. The data collection for this study was carried out from the Outpatient Department of three NGOs (AsharAlo Society, Bandhu, PMTCT Project at Chittagong Medical College who deals with HIV/ positive patients. After obtaining written consent, patients were included in the study. Case studies are developed through in-depth interviews with HIV-positive individuals. Through the case studies, the researcher can explore the practical situation of HIV-positive individuals. Research findings help find out the social, personal, and family vulnerabilities of HIV-positive cases. Further more, it sheds light on the sufferings of HIV-positive individuals. The study will focus on the interactions between HIV-positive individuals and the rest of society. It observes that HIV patients are discriminated against in all aspects of society. Such as discrimination in family life, privacy, social security, liberty in life, work, spot eviction, freedom of opinion, no access to share in scientific advancement and its benefits, participation in public and cultural life, torture and cruelness, etc.