| Summary: | Humphrey Atwijukiire,1 Hajarah Jemba Nalubega,1 Vicensio Byaruhanga,1 Prossy Atwiine,1 Kennedy Muhame,1 Peninah Mpumwire,1 Eliphaz Bukombi Muhindi,1 Vallence Niyonzima2 1Nursing Department, Bishop Stuart University, Mbarara City, Uganda; 2Nursing Department, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara City, UgandaCorrespondence: Vallence Niyonzima, Tel +256777842830, Email vniyonzima@must.ac.ugPurpose: Stigma and discrimination (SAD) remains a major challenge facing HIV/AIDs management in most countries of sub-Saharan Africa. Expert clients can potentially play a role in the fight against SAD. Our study explored the experiences and the role of expert clients in reducing SAD among people living with HIV/AIDs enrolled on care in health facilities in Western Uganda.Participants and Materials: We conducted a phenomenological qualitative study among (12) twelve purposively selected expert clients at four health facilities in Sheema district, Western Uganda. In-depth interviews were conducted using an interview guide. Data were transcribed verbatim, translated to English, manually coded and analysed manually by thematic content.Results: Four themes emerged describing the experiences of expert clients in reducing HIV/AIDs SAD; 1) Feeling of inner satisfaction, 2) Challenging work environment, 3) Acquisition of skills and 4) Disclosure dilemma. The roles of expert clients in reducing HIV-related SAD included 1) Facilitating status disclosure, 2) Identifying and helping clients with stigma/discrimination, 3) Linking patients to the health care system and 4) Promotion of positive living.Conclusion: Expert clients had numerous experiences and play a key role in the fight against SAD. Expert clients should be included as one of the stakeholders in the efforts to reduce or eradicate SAD in the management of HIV/AIDs.Keywords: expert clients, HIV, stigma, discrimination, experiences, roles
|
|---|