GENDER INFLUENCE ON THE LEVEL OF DISCRIMINATION AND STIGMATIZATION OF PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV/ AIDS IN GARISSA COUNTY
Purpose: The purpose of the study was to establish whether gender influences the level of discrimination and stigmatization of people living with HIV/ AIDS in Garissa County.Methodology: The target population of the study was all the patients with HIV and AIDS attending The Comprehensive care Centre at Garissa Provincial General Hospital in Garissa County. There are approximately 2000 people actively on ARVs attending the facility. A sample of 200 respondents was selected using random sampling from the listed list of all patients in the hospitals. The study used primary data. Data collection methods included: questionnaires and interview guide. Data was analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively. Information was sorted, coded and input into the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) for production of graphs, tables, descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. Results were presented by use of tables and charts.Results: Based on the findings, the study concluded that gender does not influence stigmatization and discrimination levels. Stigmatization and discrimination occurred to anyone irrespective of their gender. The study concluded that gender is not statistically significant in explaining stigmatization and discrimination of people living with HIV in Garissa County.Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: Based on the findings, the study recommends that health drives and campaigns should be conducted in order to raise the knowledge levels on how HIV can be spread.