UNVEILING THE POWER OF DISCLOSURE: TRANSFORMING HIV STIGMA THROUGH PERSONAL NARRATIVES

*Pitshou Moleka, PhD

Managing African Research Network, Kinshasa/ DR Congo Postdoctoral Fellow, Eudoxia Resarch Centre, India

ABSTRACT

HIV stigma remains an insidious force in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), impeding vital prevention and treatment efforts while infringing upon the fundamental human rights of affected individuals. This abstract presents a groundbreaking research study conducted in the DRC, that delves into the transformative potential of disclosure in dismantling HIV-related stigma and fostering personal growth and healing.
Our study seeks to explore the multifaceted experiences of individuals living with HIV who have bravely chosen to disclose their status within their social networks in the DRC. By capturing the rich narratives of participants, we aim to unravel the intricate dynamics surrounding disclosure, including the profound impact it has on both stigma reduction and individual healing within the unique social and cultural context of the DRC.
Employing a rigorous qualitative research design, we will conduct in-depth interviews with a diverse and representative sample of individuals living with HIV in the DRC. Drawing participants from diverse sources such as healthcare centers, community organizations, and online support groups, we will employ thematic analysis to discern recurring patterns and themes related to disclosure experiences, the attenuation of stigma, and the profound personal transformations that ensue within the cultural realities of the DRC.
Preliminary insights gleaned from pilot interviews have illuminated the potential of disclosure as a catalyst for seismic shifts in stigma reduction and personal growth in the DRC. Participants have shared remarkable accounts of enhanced social support, burgeoning self-esteem, and a renewed sense of empowerment. However, we also acknowledge the darker side of disclosure, with some participants recounting instances of rejection, discrimination, and heightened stigmatization following their revelation.
This study contributes significantly to the existing knowledge on HIV stigma in the DRC by unraveling the pivotal role of disclosure in reshaping societal attitudes and fostering personal transformation. Our findings will serve as a springboard for the development of evidence-based interventions that empower individuals living with HIV in the DRC to make informed decisions about disclosure while deftly navigating the intricate social landscape tethered to HIV stigma.

Keywords:

HIV stigma, disclosure, social support, self-esteem, empowerment, discrimination.

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