The Analysis of Stigma Impact on Quality of Life in Patients with HIV/AIDS: A Phenomenological Study

HIV infected people may have to play the role of a stigmatized person almost in all his/her life situations; means the one whose situation of life exposes him/her in conflict with ordinary people which affects his/her life''s quality. This research aimed to survey what are the effects of stigmatization on the quality of life in patients with HIV/AIDS. 8 HIV-infected persons (5 men and 3 women) from two behavioral-infectious centers of Mashhad، Iran، were interviewed. They were among the age of 22-40 years، had 10-14 years education and were selected by purposive sampling. By qualitative method، direct comments and the stories of those who were involved with HIV issue was used to verify the topics، contents and discussions from qualities data. Lack of social support and revelation of HIV infection had negative mental effects such as anxiety، depression، grief، qualm، loss of life expectancy، loss of income، and misunderstanding about social contacts. The reactions help the patient to have personal interpretation that can cause self challenges tend to self-concept and the established relations. Those stigmas are rooted in the beliefs، perceptions and stereotypes; therefore they can affect individuals’ as well as community’s health. The tolerance of HIVinfected people can decrease the mental reactions، help to gain useful information and reasonable social interacts، and encourage them to follow healthy life style، positive confrontation، and higher levels of life satisfaction.