Challenges Faced by People Living with HIV (PLWHIV) in the Dschang Health District, Cameroon

Abstract:

Background: Regarding the 2011 – 2015 world AIDS day, stating that, Zero AIDS related Deaths, Zero new infections and Zero stigma and discrimination by 2020. How can this target be met in the mist of HIV related challenges? This is a negative stimulus on the public health sector to forge things towards the positive direction to better reduce these challenges. Objectives: This led to the necessity of this project, which at the end it permitted the determination of challenge faced by PLWHIV in the Dschang health district. Material and methods: This study was purely a qualitative research using conventional content analysis. Data collection was through in-depth interviews, and participating observation. Data was collected till saturation point and analyzed by thematic analysis. Results: In a general manner we have proofed that despite the interventions, PLWHIV in the Dschang health district are still facing challenges like stigma and discrimination, rejection, non-adherence to treatment, risky behaviours for infection, socioeconomic difficulties and nondisclosure which are barrier to PMTCT and ART. Support group was found to be a good coping strategy. Recommendations: Support groups for PLWHIV should be offered as a fundamental part of HIV services.