title: Perception of Societal Stigma and Discrimination Towards People Living with HIV/AIDS in Lagos, Nigeria: a Qualitative Study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The perception of People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHAs) on how the public feels about them could influence their willingness to seek medical care, interaction with the society and their coping strategies.
  
  
  METHODS
  This study assessed the perception and behavior of PLWHAs towards societal stigma and discrimination in Lagos, Nigeria. This was a qualitative, descriptive cross sectional study among PLWHAs from three of the three senatorial districts in Lagos State selected using simple random sampling. Six focus group discussions (FGDs), consisting of eight eligible respondents each were held using structured FGD guide.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Collected data were analyzed using simple content analysis. About three quarter of all the discussants said life had become miserable following episodes of stigma and discrimination against their personality in public, family, health care settings and the work-place. Some had feelings of guilt and depression towards these actions. About three quarter had coped with the situation by living a low-keyed lifestyle, dissociating themselves from the public and avoiding seeking care in HIV care centers. Majority of respondents were not willing to come out to publicly discuss their positive HIV status for fear of discrimination.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Discussants recommended continuous awareness campaigns about HIV to further educate the general public towards reduction of societal stigma and discrimination against PLWHAs.
authors.affiliation: Department of Community Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Osun State University Osogbo Nigeria.
authors.forename: Adebimpe Wasiu
authors.initials: AW
authors.lastname: Olalekan
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, LAUTECH College of Health Sciences Osogbo Nigeria.
authors.forename: Akindele Rasaq
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Akintunde
authors.affiliation: Department of Hematology, LAUTECH College of Health Sciences Osogbo Nigeria.
authors.forename: Mabayoje Victor
authors.initials: MV
authors.lastname: Olatunji
keywords: PLWHAs; Stigma; awareness; discrimination; perception