A quantitative approach was used to investigate the stigmatization of HIV positive
clients in the Leribe District of Lesotho. The study population included 5200 HIV positive
patients who enrolled for ARV in government clinics. A randomly selected sample of
520 clients responded through a questionnaire and interviews. The statistical package
(STATA version 9) was used to analyze data. The objectives of the study were to
explore the type and level of stigmatization of HIV-positive clients and to describe ways
in which health workers in the PHC can reduce the stigmatization of HIV-positive clients
at the clinics. The findings revealed that types of stigmatization included separation,
isolation, labeling and discrimination. Ways to reduce the stigma within a community
based primary health care facility included educating people living with HIV on how to
protect themselves from multiple infection, providing effective counselling to clients and
families maintaining confidentiality, and using change strategies to change attitudes of
health care providers. The integration of HIV-related activities is a strong
recommendation and the importance of the consistent availability of ARV treatment was
emphasized.Public HealthM.A. (Public Health
