Investigator(s)
| WHO Technical Officer |
Farrukh N A Qureshi WHO Sri Lanka Farrukh N A Qureshi 
|
| Principal Investigator |
Niluka Perera Consultant, DAST Niluka Perera
|
| Co-Investigator(s) |
Nimali Fernando Wijegoonewardene Consultant Community Physician, Ministry of Health Sri Lanka Nimali Fernando Wijegoonewardene
|
Title(s) and abstract
| Scientific title | Assessment of Stigma, Discrimination and Psychosocial Distress Among People living with HIV in Sri Lanka |
| Public title | Assessment of Stigma, Discrimination and Psychosocial Distress Among People living with HIV in Sri Lanka |
| Background | There are nearly 4100 people living with HIV in Sri Lanka currently, according to 2023 statistics of the National STD/AIDS Control Programme (NSACP). The data suggests a 48% increase in number of cases during 2022 compared to 2021. Stigma and discrimination pose significant obstacles to the prevention, treatment, care, and support of individuals affected by HIV. Stigma and discrimination can have serious consequences, including negative impacts on health, social well-being, and economic opportunities. Stigmatized individuals may avoid seeking healthcare, leading to the spread of communicable diseases like HIV and creating a significant burden on public health systems and the economy. In line with the 2025 targets laid down by UNAIDS, Sri Lanka is geared to reduce stigma and discrimination among PLHIV to less than 10% by 2025. However, an assessment of stigma and discrimination among people living with HIV in Sri Lanka, and psychological stress it has on the lives of PLHIV has not been carried out in Sri Lanka during the last five years. This assessment aims to address the critical knowledge gap to guide actions and interventions for NSACP. |
| Objectives | To assess the stigma & discrimination associated with HIV and psychosocial distress among people living with HIV in Sri Lanka |
| Study Methods | The assessment will be through a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted among the patients diagnosed as having HIV using a confirmatory test, irrespective of their antiretroviral treatment status, from all districts of Sri Lanka Sri Lanka. An Interviewer administered questionnaire developed and pretested using short version of Berger HIV Stigma Assessment tool and The Kessler Psychological Distress Scales (K10) will be used. The study population would be members of one the three organizations enrolling PLHIVs as well as non-members. Multi-model recruitment method will be used, to get purposive samples with 75% from memberships and 25% from nonmembers. Three data collectors drawn from PLHIV community would be trained as interviewers and three virtual data collectors will be recruited who will reach out to their previous/current clients through online means. Physical and online written consent will be obtained from respondents. The pretested data collection instrument will be coded appropriately to ensure confidentiality. Responses will be entered and analyzed using SPSS Version 21 Software. |
| Expected outcomes and use of results | The findings will be used to suggest new interventions on addressing stigma and discrimination faced by PLHIV to the Sri Lanka HIV Funding Request to the Global Fund. PLHIV organizations and other civil society organizations that work with PLHIV individuals will be able to use the findings of this study to improve their work on addressing stigma and discrimination faced by PLHIV. |
| Keywords | Stigma, PLHIV, Pshychosocial distress |
Research Details
| Student research | No |
| Start Date | 01-Oct-2023 |
| End Date | 31-Dec-2023 |
| Key Implementing Institution | Diversity And Solidarity Trust |
| Multi-country research | No |
| Nationwide research | Yes |
| Research Domain(s) | Health Systems Research |
| Research field(s) | HIV/AIDS |
| Involves human subjects | Yes |
| Population-Based Survey | |
| Data Collection | Primary data |
| Proposal reviewed by other Committee | Under Review |