Abstract:
This study wasaimed al explorinx the lived experiences of fl/V positive. women in Bahr Dar City
:• Administration; specifically their experiences of stignu: and dtscrtnunarion due to their HIV
•
positive. status. A qualitative research approach with phenomenological research design was
selected in order ta have deep informauon about HIV positive women's experiences. In depth
interview, us dot« collection inslrtunent was used to csplore 1h, iiv<«l experiences of eight
jJUl'jJ(J.~·il?e{)' se/eClet/ Tfn' positive 1-t:Oli'H~n. Themotic lJ.IUlf)~\·[,\' and textural, s/rJlC11.lY(}/ and
composite description methods of phenomenologicai data presentation we.,.e employed to
describe the. lived experiences of eight }{]V positive women in the study area and wm« up with
its .Pndings. The findings indicated thai motivauonal factor lo gel IIIV tested wer'' frequent
illness and death of 'family members, observauonal symptoms and illness on themselves. ex/anal
fi1c1or and oral testimony. Participants ofthe study also experienced different lJp<'-< of !l!V and
AIDS rekued stigma and discriminations. Among llwm verbo! harassment. social exclusion,
physical viotence, imemal sugma and tactical stigma were the basic Mies. The main
per~ators were family members including husbands, neighborhoods, and HJV positive women
themselves. Participants of this study were experienced psychological depression, loss of
livelihoods, ART adherence problem, and loss of marriage and options of childbearing. Self
isolation. seeking spiritual counseling and preach. changes i11 residential area, seeking
memberships and help Ji'om others were coping strategies experienced by participants. 111e
j)mfings of this research have important implicattonsfor the concerned bodies mainly for GOs,
NGOs & c:sos, FBOs, PLllIVs, and voluntary service providers working in the area under
investigation and for the community at large.