Publication:

Discrimination among people living with HIV attending an antiretroviral therapy Centre in Gwalior: a cross-sectional study

Background In India, despite advances in HIV prevention and treatment, the well-being of people living with HIV (PLHIV) continues to be affected by persistent stigma and discrimination. Beyond community-level prejudice, discriminatory attitudes within families remain common and are influenced by socio-economic factors and access to accurate HIV-related information. Family-level discrimination continues to pose a significant challenge to the overall HIV response.

Methods A hospital-based cross-sectional design conducted over a twelve-month period. The study focused on 380 HIV-positive participants within the 25 to 35 years of age. Assessments were performed using a structured questionnaire to access the discrimination. Data were analysed using SPSS v27, with p<0.05 considered significant. Chi square test was applied wherever appropriate.

Results Out of 380 participants, 85 (22.4%) reported having faced discrimination, while the majority, 295 (77.6%), did not report any discriminatory experiences.

Conclusions The findings indicate that although overt discrimination is uncommon among most PLHIV, it remains a substantial barrier for vulnerable groups, including those socially marginalized, newly enrolled in treatment, or lacking domestic support. Discrimination, in conjunction with stigma, continues to negatively influence mental health and overall well-being.