Stigma and resilience: Lived experiences of people with HIV in a northern community.

Stigma is a reality for millions of individuals who are living with HIV/AIDS and is accompanied with many challenges, however individuals are resilient in spite of the negative impacts of stigma. The purpose of this research was to explore and highlight the lived experience of people living with HIV-related stigmas in Prince George, secondly, to understand the impacts of stigma, and thirdly, to identify the ways in which those living with HIV/AIDS respond to stigma. The research draws on hermeneutics phenomenology as this enables the exploration of participants' experiences of stigma and resilience. Findings that have emerged from the thematic analysis have shown that stigma both enacted and felt is still prevalent in the lives of the participants. Also, participants' experienced various challenges such as: mental health problems, substance abuse, financial problems and the lack of relationships. However, despite these challenges, participants reported feeling optimistic and hopeful as well as experiencing spiritual growth, finding a sense of purpose while living with their diagnosis. Overall participants in the study are adapting to their hardship and choosing not to be victims of HIV but survivors and fighters. --Leaf ii.