@article{10.11648/j.wjph.20240902.14,
  author = {Abiye Kalaiwo and Godwin Emmanuel and Olaniyi Felix Sanni and Paul Umoh and Roger Abang and Paul Amechi and Ochonye Bartholomew Boniface and Olugbemi Motilewa},
  title = {Assessment of Stigma, Violence and Coping Mechanisms Among HIV Infected People Who Inject Drugs in Akwa-Ibom State, Nigeria
},
  journal = {World Journal of Public Health},
  volume = {9},
  number = {2},
  pages = {125-143},
  doi = {10.11648/j.wjph.20240902.14},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.wjph.20240902.14},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.wjph.20240902.14},
  abstract = {People who inject drugs (PWIDs) living with HIV face high levels of stigma, violence, and rape due to their risky lifestyles, potentially facilitating the spread of HIV. This study assessed the level and type of stigma and violence among PWIDs attending Heartland Alliance in Akwa Ibom State and their coping mechanisms. This descriptive cross-sectional study of 442 PWIDs receiving care at four one-stop shops in the state was conducted using mixed methods. Quantitative data were collected through pretested structured questionnaires and an adopted stigma scale, administered by trained research assistants using Computer Assisted Personal Interviewer (CAPI). For qualitative data, one focus group discussion (FGD) was held at each site with 8-10 purposively selected PWIDs, and transcripts were analyzed thematically. The study findings reveals that most respondents were male (78%) with a mean age of 32.7±7 years. Pentazocine use was common (52%), and 18% shared needles, with 15% sharing blood after injections among friends. More than half (58%) missed more than one dose of ARVs in the past week. Perceived stigma (59%) was more common than internal stigma (18%), with predictors being student status, non-disclosure of HIV status, and non-adherence to treatment. PWIDs Physical violence (47.5%) and verbal abuse (37.1%) were prevalent among PWIDs. Female PWIDs had a ninefold higher risk of rape. Coping mechanisms included isolation, increased substance use, battle readiness, and positive reframing. Conclusion: PWIDs face significant levels of stigma, violence, and non-adherence, jeopardizing treatment outcomes and perpetuating STI, HIV, and blood-borne infection transmission. Establishing harm-reduction programs is essential to address these vulnerabilities and the consequences associated with drug use.
},
 year = {2024}
}

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TY  - JOUR
T1  - Assessment of Stigma, Violence and Coping Mechanisms Among HIV Infected People Who Inject Drugs in Akwa-Ibom State, Nigeria

AU  - Abiye Kalaiwo
AU  - Godwin Emmanuel
AU  - Olaniyi Felix Sanni
AU  - Paul Umoh
AU  - Roger Abang
AU  - Paul Amechi
AU  - Ochonye Bartholomew Boniface
AU  - Olugbemi Motilewa
Y1  - 2024/05/10
PY  - 2024
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.wjph.20240902.14
DO  - 10.11648/j.wjph.20240902.14
T2  - World Journal of Public Health
JF  - World Journal of Public Health
JO  - World Journal of Public Health
SP  - 125
EP  - 143
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2637-6059
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.wjph.20240902.14
AB  - People who inject drugs (PWIDs) living with HIV face high levels of stigma, violence, and rape due to their risky lifestyles, potentially facilitating the spread of HIV. This study assessed the level and type of stigma and violence among PWIDs attending Heartland Alliance in Akwa Ibom State and their coping mechanisms. This descriptive cross-sectional study of 442 PWIDs receiving care at four one-stop shops in the state was conducted using mixed methods. Quantitative data were collected through pretested structured questionnaires and an adopted stigma scale, administered by trained research assistants using Computer Assisted Personal Interviewer (CAPI). For qualitative data, one focus group discussion (FGD) was held at each site with 8-10 purposively selected PWIDs, and transcripts were analyzed thematically. The study findings reveals that most respondents were male (78%) with a mean age of 32.7±7 years. Pentazocine use was common (52%), and 18% shared needles, with 15% sharing blood after injections among friends. More than half (58%) missed more than one dose of ARVs in the past week. Perceived stigma (59%) was more common than internal stigma (18%), with predictors being student status, non-disclosure of HIV status, and non-adherence to treatment. PWIDs Physical violence (47.5%) and verbal abuse (37.1%) were prevalent among PWIDs. Female PWIDs had a ninefold higher risk of rape. Coping mechanisms included isolation, increased substance use, battle readiness, and positive reframing. Conclusion: PWIDs face significant levels of stigma, violence, and non-adherence, jeopardizing treatment outcomes and perpetuating STI, HIV, and blood-borne infection transmission. Establishing harm-reduction programs is essential to address these vulnerabilities and the consequences associated with drug use.

VL  - 9
IS  - 2
ER  - 

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