Using a clinic based creativity initiative to reduce HIV related stigma at the Infectious Diseases Institute, Mulago National Referral Hospital, Uganda |
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Authors: | S Neema LM Atuyambe E Otolok-Tanga C Twijukye A Kambugu L Thayer K McAdam |
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Affiliation: | 1 Makerere University, Department of Sociology and Anthropology P. O. Box 7062 Kampala;2 Research, Communication and Training (RECOT), P.O.Box 671, Kampala, Uganda;3 Makerere University School of Public Health, Department of Community Health and Behavioural Sciences, P. O. Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda;4 Infectious Diseases Institute, Mulago Hospital Complex, P.O.Box 22418, Kampala, Uganda |
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Abstract: | BackgroundStigma has been associated with chronic health conditions such as HIV/AIDS, leprosy, tuberculosis, Mental illness and Epilepsy. Different forms of stigma have been identified: enacted stigma, perceived stigma, and self stigma. Stigma is increasingly regarded as a key driver of the HIV/AIDS epidemic and has a major impact on public health interventions.ObjectivesThe initiative was to provide activities in the clinic while patients waited to be seen by healthcare professionals. It was envisaged this would contribute to reduction of clinic based stigma felt by clients.MethodsThis was a repeated cross-sectional survey (October–November 2005 and March–April 2007) that was conducted at the Infectious Diseases Institute clinic (IDC) at Mulago, the national referral hospital in Uganda. We utilized quantitative (survey) and qualitative (key informants, focus group discussions) methods to collect the data. Data were collected on stigma before the creativity initiative intervention was implemented, and a second phase survey was conducted to assess effectiveness of the interventions.ResultsClients who attended the IDC before the creativity intervention were about twice as likely to fear catching an infection as those who came after the intervention. The proportion that had fears to be seen by a friend or relative at the clinic decreased. Thus during the implementation of the Creativity intervention, HIV related stigma was reduced in this clinic setting.ConclusionsThe creativity intervention helped to build self esteem and improved communication among those attending the clinic; there was observed ambiance at the clinic and clients became empowered, with creative, communication and networking skills. Improved knowledge and communication are key in addressing self stigma among HIV positive individuals. |
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Keywords: | stigma creativity initiative HIV/AIDS IDI Uganda |
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