Epidemiological profile, stigma and self-esteem among vertically transmitted human immunodeficiency virus-infected adults followed at the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Yalgado Ouedraogo

Abstract

Introduction
Background: HIV infection is a major public health problem. Its impact on physical and mental health is significant. Objective: The aim of our work is to assess stigmatization and self-esteem among vertically HIV-infected adults at the CHU YO. Patients and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted over six months among vertically transmitted HIV-positive adults. Our data were collected using the Rosenberg self-esteem and HIV self-stigma scales and analyzed using STATA16 software.
Results: A total of 52 patients were included among the 60 adults followed whose HIV transmission had been vertical. The mean age of the patients was 24.5 ± 1.1 years. Thirty patients (75%) had low self-esteem and 26 (50%) had symptoms of self-stigmatization. The subscales showed that personal stigma was present in 13 (25%) patients. As for disclosure of serostatus, 98% of patients felt the need to keep the information secret. Society's attitude was judged negative by 69.3% of patients. Conclusion: this study shows that vertically transmitted HIV has negative repercussions for patients