The Social and Health Problems of People Living with HIV/AIDS in Izmir, Turkey

The aim of this study was to describe how AIDS, as well as the stigma associated with it, affects the lives of HIV positive patients and their family members. Three large state hospitals in the metropolitan area of Izmir participated in the study. Six focus groups were conducted with people infected with HIV (n=32) and their family members (n=11). Participants were asked to fill out a questionnaire to assess their HIV/AIDS knowledge and to convey how the stigma had affected them. The most important problems identified were society and work-related social problems and access to health services. The patients and their family members stated that education was needed to correct misconceptions about HIV and to help them cope with related problems. We found that patients and their family members were sensitive about disclosure. We determined the education, counseling and support needs of HIV-infected patients and their families. Additionally, we found that health personnel who monitor the patients should make more efforts on patients' education and counselling.