In 2016, in Ukraine by the joint efforts of ACO “All-Ukrainian Network of PLWHA” and AC “Socioconsulting” we implemented the third wave of the study using international methodology “PLHIV Stigma Index.”It was designed to collect systematic, documented data on the prevalence and manifestations of stigma and discrimination by a uniform questionnaire. This methodology is contrary to the popular practice of documentation and usage in advocacy of individual cases of stigma, discrimination, and human rights violations. An implementation of repeated studies in 2013 and 2016 using similar method was designed to create an array of reliable data at the national level to analyze trends in the prevalence of stigma and discrimination concerning HIV status during 2010-2016. Data collected during each wave of the study was actively used in advocacy activities of patients’ organizations.
Currently, such studies using methodology “Stigma Index” were conducted in about 70 countries. However, Ukraine is the only country that held such a study three times.
Research methods:
- Uniform interviews with PLHIV. During each wave of the survey, it was carried out by comparable questionnaire. During each wave, 1,500 respondents were polled.
- In-depth interviews with PLHIV using a method of “life stories.”In 2010 and 2013, in-depth interviews were conducted only with those PLHIV that in the quantitative component of the survey reported cases of stigma and discrimination in various aspects of life. In 2016, nearly a quarter of interviews were conducted with PLHIV who said that disclosure of HIV status by a social environment representative (employers, health workers, family, etc.) contributed to positive changes in the lives of the respondents, led to positive social attitudes towards PLHIV.A total of58 interviews conducted.
Other researches
Impact evaluation of the project “Improving HIV treatment adherence of HIV+ and at-risk women through holistic emergency support and care during the Ukraine humanitarian crisis”
