| dc.description.abstract | The study was conducted to examine the relationship between stigma , discrimination and coping mechanisms among HIV positive young adults. This research was conducted at St. John’s Medical center Kawempe, in Kawempe Division, Kampala District under the topic “Stigma, Discrimination and Coping mechanisms among HIV positive young adults.” It considered the following hypotheses; H1, there is a significant relationship between stigma and discrimination; H2, there is a significant relationship between discrimination and coping mechanisms; and H3, there is a significant relationship between stigma and coping mechanisms among HIV positive young adults.
The study considered a quantitative research design to investigate the research problem with a correlational research design. A sample of 100 HIV positive young adults, both males and females aged between 15 to 35 years were selected using of simple purposive sampling technique. Data was collected by use of self-administered questionnaire and was analyzed and interpreted using the Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS, version 20).
In the study, 53 respondents were females, 46 males, 1 transgender; 49 singles, 31 married, 12 divorced, 8 widowed; 29% aged 20-24, 28% aged 25-30, 21% 30-34 and 8% aged 35 above. Pearson’s Correlation Coefficient (r) was used to test the significance of the hypotheses and the results revealed that; there is a significant relationship between stigma and discrimination (r=.585**, p>.000); there is no significant relationship between discrimination and coping mechanisms (r= -.111**, p<.271); and finally, the results also revealed that there is no significant relationship between stigma and coping mechanisms (r= .083**, p<.413) among HIV positive young adults.
Based on the study findings, it is therefore concluded that, there is a significant relationship between stigma and discrimination; and there is no statistically significant relationship between discrimination and coping mechanisms, and stigma and coping mechanisms among HIV positive young adults. So, more research needs to be conducted to ascertain why some HIV positive young adults are able to cope effectively with HIV and others do not cope effectively with it. | en_US |
