School of Social Sciences

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Browsing School of Social Sciences by Author "Anabel Nitani Amandu"

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    The Effect of Stigma on the Social Wellbeing of Children Affected by HIV/Aids in Baylor-Uganda
    (Uganda Christian University, 2024-09-23) Anabel Nitani Amandu
    This study examined the effect of stigma, with a particular focus on stigma within the family, institution, and community, on the social wellbeing of children impacted by HIV/AIDS at Baylor-Uganda. Using a mixed-approaches strategy, 66 individuals in total were included in the sample: 43 children between the ages of 12 and 18, 13 parents, and 10 key informants, including social workers and the director of Baylor-Uganda. According to the research, 14.4% of children strongly agreed that family members treat them differently according to their status. In particular, 5% of respondents strongly agreed that stigma within their families was a major hindrance to their emotional and social welfare, which resulted in feelings of isolation and unworthiness. Regarding the second research objective, which was institutional stigma, 20% of participants shared their experiences with prejudice and insufficient assistance in healthcare environments. According to key informants' qualitative insights most of them stressed the need of community education in reducing institutional stigma and enhancing service delivery. In the third objective, which examined community stigma, 29% of respondents stated that societal perceptions caused social isolation and had a detrimental effect on the self-esteem of children who were affected. The qualitative results made clear that children's sentiments of isolation were exacerbated when they were excluded from social activities due to community stigma. The study found that low social wellbeing for children impacted by HIV/AIDS is substantially influenced by stigma at all levels—family, institutional, and community. To create a more welcoming atmosphere for these kids, thorough community-based awareness campaigns should be put into place, and support networks should be strengthened. Overall, this study emphasizes how critical it is to combat stigma in order to enhance the social wellbeing of children living with HIV/AIDS and foster their social integration and acceptance.