HIV-related perceived stigma and associated factors among patients with HIV, Dilla, Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study

Introduction: Understanding HIV-related perceived stigma has importance in improving the quality of patients and provides a better tackling of HIV stigma. Therefore; the study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of perceived stigma among Patients with HIV attending the clinic at Dilla University Referral Hospital in Ethiopia 2019. Method: In this Institution based cross-sectional study, a 10-item perceived HIV stigma scale was used to assess HIV-related perceived stigma. Oslo social support scale was used to assess social support related factors. Bivariate and multivariate binary logistic analysis was done to identify associated factors to HIV-related perceived stigma. Results: The prevalence of HIV-related perceived stigma by using perceived HIV stigma scale among patients with living HIV was 42.7%. Patients who are age groups 25-30 years (AOR = 2.8, 95% CI: 5.72-11.5), age groups 31-39 years (AOR = 1.11, 95% CI: 1.26,4.65), Females (AOR = 2.4, 95% CI: 1.28-4.33), divorced marital status (AOR = 8.9, 95% CI: 3.52-10.61), widowed marital status (AOR = 3.0, 95% CI: 2.74-7.60), Primary educational status (AOR = 7.5,95% CI: 3.45-9.74) and Study participants those who use alcohol (AOR = 1.0 95% CI: 1.57-2.11) were more likely to have HIV-related perceived stigma. Conclusion: This calls a holistic approach to the prevention and intervention of HIV-related perceived stigma. Emphasis should also be given for HIV-related perceived stigma. Registration: This study was registered research registry with the registration number (researchregistry7112).