HEALTH CONSEQUENCES OF STIGMATIZATION OF HIV/AIDS PATIENTS IN FCT, ABUJA, NIGERIA

Stigma is like wild fire that everyone runs away from It is contagious and deadly. In a bid to avoid stigmatization, many PLWHA had evaded medical care thereby causing their viral load to increase exponentially. At the end of the day, they develop fell blown AIDS and the symptoms HIV begin to stare on their faces. This study investigated the observed adverse health effects of stigmatization against PLWHA in Abuja, FCT., Nigeria. Data were collected from both PLWHA using well-structured and randomly distributed questionnaire instrument, ensuring that all sectors of life - health, educational and religious institutions were covered. Oral interviews were also held with some volunteer HIV/AIDS patients who were willing to share their experiences in confidence with the researchers. Result proved that really stigmatization is the paramount cause of rapid health deterioration and death of most PLWHA. It is recommended that PLWHA must try to overcome stigmatization and attend their normal counselling and treatment clinics.