Attitudes of Moslems on HIV and AIDS Related Stigma and Discrimination in Upper West Region, Ghana

Abstract

HIV and AIDS is one of the most widespread and devastating epidemic with global public health implications in the 21st century and Ghana as a nation, is not an exception. Several studies in Ghana suggest that HIV and AIDS related stigma and discrimination has been the bane of fighting the reduction and elimination of HIV and AIDS. Such issues like nondisclosure, public outcry, and social exclusion constitute a basic problem so far as the disease is concerned. This study therefore tends to look into stigma and discrimination and for that matter, the influence of the beliefs and practices and socio-demographic characteristics of the Moslems on their attitudes towards PLWHAs within this catchment area. To achieve its objective, the study employed the cross sectional survey research design. With the aid of structured interview schedules as well as the multi stage, incidental and purposive sampling techniques, the primary data was gathered from 300 (178 males and 122 females) Moslem respondents from three sampled districts namely Wa Municipality, Wa West and Sissala East. Pearson correlation co efficient and the chi square test statistics as well as descriptive statistics (mean scores, standard deviation, frequency counts, percentages and cross tables) were also employed to check and analyse significance, the extent of relationship and or influence. The major findings of the study were that Moslems’ attitude towards PLWHAs was positive and to a large extent influenced by their beliefs and practices as enshrined in the Quran and Hadith. Among the four constructs of religious, social, economic and political, the most discriminatory was that of social engagement (x̅= 3.60; sd= 1.13). There was also a significant relationship between the socio-demographic or personal characteristics (sex, age and educational background) of the Moslems and their attitudes towards PLWHAs in relation to religious, social, economic and political engagement. The Moslems in the Upper West region will not disclose their HIV and AIDS status ( x̅= 2.79; sd= 1.33) despite their religious beliefs and practices for fear of discrimination and stigma. To help minimise the negative impact of HIV and AIDS related stigma and discrimination, the study recommended that Moslem leaders’ teachings should be centered on what Islam espouses on attitudes towards the sick and vulnerable, especially PLWHAs. Another recommendation of the study was that adult education institutions (National Commission on Civic Education, Institute of Local Government Studies, Department of Adult Education of the University of Ghana and the District Assemblies) should organise training programmes to educate and sensitise religious leaders, tutors and students of Islamic educational institutions to enable them accept the sick, especially PLWHAs. It is also recommended by the study that Moslem leaders, National Commission on Civic Education and District assemblies should organise education and training programmes for Moslem communities to help reduce HIV and AIDS related stigma and discrimination.