| Learning Objective #1: Understand stigma perception and health promoting self-care ability of young adults with HIV/AIDS in Thailand | |||
| Learning Objective #2: Understand the impact of stigma perception on health promoting self-care ability of young adults with HIV/AIDS |
The theoretical framework for this study was derived from Orem's Self-Care Theory. A sample of 50 young adults with HIV/AIDS was recruited from HIV/AIDS groups in Chiang Mai and Lampoon province. Data was collected from December 2002 to July 2003, by a semi-structured interview and self-report questionnaires.
This study showed that the mean score of stigma perception was at a moderate level. Regarding the subscale of stigma perception, respondents were most concerned with disclosure to others, followed by public attitude toward people with HIV/AIDS, personalized stigma, and negative self-image, respectively. Moreover, this study found a developed level of self-care ability among the respondents concerning hygiene care, sleep and rest, self-monitoring and seeking care, avoidance of risky behavior, and stress management, whereas diet and exercise were at a developed but not stabilized and a developing level, respectively. In addition, positive relationship was found between period since being diagnosed with HIV/AIDS and health promoting self-care ability (r = .314, p < .05). Moreover, a negative relationship was found between stigma perception and health promoting self-care ability (r = -. 418, p < .01).
The study revealed that stigma is a barrier for people with HIV/AIDS in performing health promoting self-care. Government and NGOs, health care providers, and community groups should participate in enhancing knowledge, understanding, and accepting people with HIV/AIDS, which will reduce stigmatization toward them and improve their ability to perform health promoting self-care to maintain life, health, well- being, and be able to live with other people in the community.