Introduction: Depression is one of the most prevalent psychiatric diagnoses seen in HIV-positive individuals. Women with HIV are about four times more likely to be depressed than those who are not infected. Depression was statistically significant in rural women, widowed women, and lower socioeconomic class women. Stigma is a primary associated with people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/AIDS (PLWHA), and has great impact on their and their family members’ health.
Aims and Objectives: The aim of this study is to describe the social stigma and discrimination that leads to the depressive symptoms and poorer quality of life in person living with HIV/AIDS.
Methods: The study is based on both primary and secondary data in which mixed methodology (qualitative and quantitative) method has been used. The qualitative data was collected with the help of case study and life history method whereas the quantitative data was collected by the help of WHOQOL scale and HIV stigma scale. The respondents were selected from the ART centers in Ghazipur by using purposive sampling.
Result and Discussion: Two third studies suggests that depression and other mental health problem is more common among the PLHA and this is due to the social stigma and discrimination that leads to the poorer qualitative of life.
Conclusion: Depression is highly vulnerable among women living with HIV which is still underdiagnosed and undertreated, and there is a need to incorporate mental health services as an integral component of HIV care. Quality of life and depression should be monitored in follow-up of HIV infected patients. Comorbid psychiatric conditions may serve as markers for impaired functioning and well-being in persons with HIV.
