Stigma of People with HIV/AIDS in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Literature Review
The aim of this literature review is to elucidate what is known about HIV/AIDS and stigma in Sub-Saharan Africa. Literature about HIV/AIDS and stigma in Sub-Saharan Africa was systematically searched in Pu...
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| Main Authors: | , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Wiley
2009-01-01
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| Series: | Journal of Tropical Medicine |
| Online Access: | http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2009/145891 |
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| Summary: | The aim of this
literature review is to elucidate what is known
about HIV/AIDS and stigma in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Literature about HIV/AIDS and stigma in
Sub-Saharan Africa was systematically searched
in Pubmed, Medscape, and Psycinfo up to March
31, 2009. No starting date limit was specified.
The material was analyzed using Gilmore and
Somerville's (1994) four processes of
stigmatizing responses: the definition of the
problem HIV/AIDS, identification of people
living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA), linking HIV/AIDS
to immorality and other negative
characteristics, and finally behavioural
consequences of stigma (distancing, isolation,
discrimination in care). It was found that the
cultural construction of HIV/AIDS, based on
beliefs about contamination, sexuality, and
religion, plays a crucial role and contributes
to the strength of distancing reactions and
discrimination in society. Stigma prevents the
delivery of effective social and medical care
(including taking antiretroviral therapy) and
also enhances the number of HIV infections. More
qualitative studies on HIV/AIDS stigma including
stigma in health care institutions in
Sub-Saharan Africa are
recommended. |
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| ISSN: | 1687-9686 1687-9694 |