Water, Sanitation And Hygiene As An Intervention For Stigmatization Among People Living With Hiv/Aids In Rongo Subcounty, Migori County

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to examine WASH outcomes as an intervention for stigmatization towards PLWHIV among residents of Rongo subcounty Methods: The study employed descriptive cross sectional. The study population comprised of PLHIV at household level randomly selected from North Kamagambo, WASH Intervention arm and non-WASH compliances HH was determined for the their health outcomes. A sample size of 193 study subjects was drawn from the target population. Qualitative and Quantitative data collection methods and tools were used during the study. Qualitative techniques included Questionnaires, Focus group discussion, direct observation and key information interview thorough telephone and face to face interviews. Quantitative data was obtained from the existing public health and medical records and the data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) computer program version 24.0.A T-test was used to test the hypothesis on the two dependent groups exposed to different interventions. Results: Study findings indicate that on the demographic information, marital status, age and occupation showed a positive effect on the WASH outcomes on the HIV patients except the gender of the patients (β=-1.440, df=1, p=0.086), (β=0.779, df=1, p=0.046), (β=0.020, df=1, p=0.530), and (β=0.196, df=1, p=0.443), respectively. On the WASH interventions, safe disposal of faeces, menstrual waste management and adherence to ART having a positive effect on the WASH outcomes on the HIV patients except access to drinking water with (β=19.924, df=1, p=0.000), (β=21.420, df=1, p=0.009), (β=19.295, df=1, p=0.019) and (β=-0.625, df=1, p=0.002). The WASH interventions indicated all the WASH initiatives having a statistical significant effect on the WASH outcomes on the HIV patients. On the Community-based health promotion and preventive interventions, Financial interventions and community mobilization indicated a negative effect on the WASH outcomes on the HIV patients (β=-0.002, df=1,p=0.050) and (β=-1.128, df=1,p=0.018) respectively. Referral to a health facility, vector control and education and training having a positive effect on the WASH outcomes on the HIV patients (β=1.350, df=1,p=0.051), (β=-0.019, df=1,p=0.978) and (β=20.306, df=1,p=0.999) respectively. This indicated that the financial interventions and community mobilization statistically significant in the model. Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: The study recommends that HIV-positive women and their caregivers must prevent HIV transmission from menstrual blood by practicing universal precautions.