ABSTRACT
Background: Depression, a universal problem for individuals with HIV/AIDS because the disease creates uncertainty and disruption in every aspect of their lives. Objectives: To assess the level of perceived stigma and depression among women with HIV/AIDS infection and to determine relationship between perceived stigma and depression. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was carried out in Bel – Air hospital located at Panchgani, state of Maharashtra, India during year 2013 among the women with HIV/AIDS infection. By purposive sampling technique, 50 women were enrolled and interviewed by utilizing Standardized data collection tool i.e. stigma perception scale by Sowell et al and CES-D by Radloff after institutional ethical clearance certificate. Statistics: Descriptive statistics, chi-square test and correlation coefficient was used to analyze the data. Results: The out of a total 50 HIV infected women maximum, 26(52%) were belonged to the age group of 28 – 36 years. All the women were married out of which majority were widows 28(56%). Among the study subjects, maximum, 25(50%) were having secondary education, followed by 46(92%) as housewives. 38(76%) women were aware of HIV status ranging from 1 month to 2.5 years. However, 43(86%) reported that they had acquired HIV infection from their husband. Almost all women perceived stigma at some or other time of which majority, 26(52%) perceived stigma frequently whereas 19(38%) and 5(10%) perceived stigma always and occasionally respectively. Similarly all the women have some sort of depression and majority, 37(74%) experienced depression most of the time whereas 13(26%) experienced depression occasionally. The perceived stigma and depression have a significant positive correlation as indicated by correlation coefficient. Conclusion: Moderate to severe degree of stigma and depression was perceived by women with a status of HIV/AIDS infection. A significant positive relationship is also existed between perceived stigma and depression among the women with HIV/AIDS infection.