Effects of Expected Community Stigmatisation on HIV/AIDS Counselling and Testing in Nigeria

Objective: The objective of this study was to explore the effects of expected community HIV/AIDS Stigmatisation on HIV Counselling and Testing (HCT) by looking at the impact of stigma on HIV Counselling and Testing. Design: The research entailed a qualitative study involving the use of 11 Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with 89 participants and 11 persons who took part in In-depth Interviews (Interviews) in three communities comprising an urban location and two rural settings in Delta State, Nigeria. Result: The result from the study indicate that though most persons are knowledgeable about HIV/AIDS, their knowledge is still distorted and full of misconceptions which give rise to community stigmatisation which in turn impact on the desire of people to go for HIV testing. Furthermore, the desire to test is equally hampered by the fear of lack of confidentiality which the people tied to medical personnel attitude that might expose their test results and lead to stigma. Conclusion: The fear of stigmatisation is a big obstacle to HIV/AIDS treatment since many persons refuse to go for HCT as a result of stigma. There is need to put programmes is place to correct the myths which produce fear and stigma and open up opportunities for greater community participation in HCT.