Stigma As a Limiting Factor to Support Group Participation by PLWHA in South West Nigeria

Support groups for PLWHA are an important part of the response to HIV/AIDS because of the opportunity it provides to share experiences with others in an environment away from stigma. Support groups are also usually at the fore front of the advocacy for improved treatment access and other human rights issues. Still many chose not to participate in these support groups. The aim of this study was to explore participant centered perspective of support groups and reasons for non participation of PLWHA.  A qualitative descriptive approach was used, a total of 10 in-depth interviews were conducted with PLWHA receiving ART from an urban regional treatment centre in south west Nigeria. Thematic content analysis was used to analyse data.

 All participants were adults aged between 30 – 53 years, there were equal proportions of males and females. Duration of illness ranged from 1-6 years. Findings suggest that disclosure of status was limited to the immediate family members due to the fear of stigma.  Five participants who lived out of town chose the ARV centre for fear of discovery of their status. Very few belonged to a support group and the perceptions that support from families was adequate and additional support was not required was dominant. Many also felt membership of support groups contributed to stigma.  Financial need emerged as the major challenge while a few wanted spouses. Almost all however welcomed home visits as long as they were discreet.

The fear of stigma remains a major constraint for PLWHA and appears to limit participation in support groups.  Including income generating activities in support groups may be an attraction since financial support was a common need.