(a). Outline five reasons for which those who tested positive to HIV/AIDS are being discriminated...
(a). Outline five reasons for which those who tested positive to HIV/AIDS are being discriminated against in the society.
(b). In what five ways does the contraction of HIV/AIDS Impact on the socio-economic life of the victim?
Explanation
(a). - Fear is a common cause of discrimination. This may be fear of catching the disease as it is infectious (or perceived to be so).
- Discrimination by association is also known as 'symbolic stigma'. This may occur when a health condition is associated with a condition that is perceived to be undesirable. HIV/AIDS is an example of such as it is usually associated with illicit sex.
- Values and beliefs can play a powerful role in creating or sustaining stigma. Examples are beliefs regarding the cause of a condition. Religious values regarding sexual relationships and marriage may cause HIV/AIDS discrimination if they are perceived to be the result of marital infidelity.
- Lack of awareness and education on the nature of HIV/AIDS is another reason for the discrimination.
- In accurate and misleading representation even by some health workers is a cause of the discrimination of HIV/AIDS patients.
(b). - Loss of income and livelihood.
- It makes them dependent on others as they cannot be fully effective.
- Liable to become poor as they have to spend more even after losing their means of livelihood.
- The HID/AIDS patient becomes depressed while the family goes through emotional and psychological torture.
- The parents and relations who are shouldering the big financial responsibility of caring for the HID/AIDS patient may not be able to send other members of the family to school. In other words, the family is badly affected economically.