Stigma experienced by women living with HIV/AIDS in Aceh province: A phenomenological study

Objective: Women infected with HIV/AIDS are at high risk of living a painful life, such as being rejected by family, friends and life partners. It is not easy for a woman to accept that she is infected with HIV, especially from her husband. Women will experience various processes and stages of grieving that lead to that self-acceptance of a woman infected with HIV/AIDS. This study aims to understand the stigma experienced by the women infected with HIV/AIDS in Aceh Province. Method: It is a qualitative study with a phenomenological approach utilizing purposive sampling and snowball sampling technique. The research was conducted by in-depth interviews with five participants recorded using MP4 and equipped with field notes from January to April 2020. The interview transcript was verbatim analyzed using steps according to Colaizzi. Result: The study identified two themes, (1) emerging negative perceptions of HIV/AIDS and (2) Rejection from the community. Conclusion: The study demonstrated the stigma experienced by the women infected with HIV/AIDS. It recommends becoming evidence for policy-makers to develop and improve the quality of services that consider not only on physical but also on the psychological needs for the women infected with HIV/AIDS.