A study on perception of care and treatment in HIV positive patients at ART centre

Background: HIV-related stigma is a major social challenge for people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHA). It can forsake the programmes related to HIV due to compromise in early diagnosis & treatment. It is necessary to understand the perceptions of HIV about care and treatment in PLHA in order to work towards a more patient-centred care. Aim & Objective: To explore the perception of care & treatment along with the other life experiences in PLHA. Methodology: This is Qualitative exploratory study prepared by study of semi-structured in-depth interviews of different individuals through thematic analysis, at the Antiretroviral therapy (ART) centre of Nehru hospital, BRD medical college Gorakhpur. Result: Themes emerged are: 1)Negative reactions to HIV positive results; 2)Social support was highly valued by PLHA in improving their quality of life; 3)PLHA experiences various stigma throughout their life; 4)Health staff behaviour was good but they felt the need of better arrangements for their treatment; 5)Refusal by Private Hospitals to treat HIV cases. Conclusion: Awareness campaigns & regular counselling of the individual shall be effective for PLHA on a routine basis. A better & hustle-free medical infrastructure shall be very beneficial & it is necessary to sensitize the private hospitals to treat the HIV patients in a positive manner.