The factors that contribute to low self esteem in persons living with HIV AIDS at Mbagatid hospital Nairobi County

Abstract

This study the factors that contribute to low self esteem in patients with HIV infection at Mbagathi hospital was contacted between October and November 2013, this was a cross sectional study of all patients who attended the various departments of Mba gat hi Hospital and who tested HIVpositive, or knew their Positive HIV status at the period of the study. The main objective of the study was to identify the factors that lead to low self esteem in persons with HIV seeking various medical services at Mbagathi hospital Nairobi. Specific objectives included; to determine the socio-demographic characteristics of the study subjects; to document the factors associated with low self esteem among the study subjects; to identify the effect of HIV infection on the individual's self esteem. Purposive random sampling was done among all HIV positive patients attending the various departments of the hospital, until the desired sample size of 56 patients was achieved; this was as per sample size calculation using Fisher et al formula. Data was collected using a researcher designed questionnaire to meet the study objectives. Data analysis was done use the scientific and statistical package for scientist (SSPS). The results were then presented in narrative, tables, percentages, frequencies and diagrams in charts where appropriate. Stigma and discrimination emerged as the most reported factors leading to low self esteem in persons living with HIV. Fear of other people discovering the individuals HIV status was also frequently reported as having negative effect on the individual self esteem.