Paper
Saturday, July 16, 2005
Similarities and Differences of HIV/AIDS Stigma in Five African Countries
Leana Uys, DSocSc, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa, Lucy Nthabiseng Makoae, PhD, School of Nursing, National University of Lesotho, Roma, Lesotho, Maureen L. Chirwa, PhD, Kamazu College of Nursing, University of Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi, Minrie Greeff, PhD, School of Nursing Science, Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education, Potchefstroom, North West Provi, South Africa, Priscilla S. Dlamini, PhD, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Swaziland, Mbabane, Swaziland, Thecla S. Kohi, PhD, Faculty of Nurisng, Muhimbili University College of Health Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, and William Holzemer, RN, PhD, FAAN, Community Health Systems, University of California, San Francisco, San Frnacisco, CA, USA.
| Learning Objective #1: Describe the similarities and differences in perceived HIV/AIDS stigma among five African countries |
| Learning Objective #2: Identify the implications such similarities and differences have for health programmes |
A descriptive, qualitative study was done to explore the experience of HIV/AIDS stigma of people living with HIV or AIDS (PLWA) and nurses. Focus group discussions (FGD) were held with respondents to capture an emic view from PLWA and an etic view from nurses of stigma and discrimination. Participants were asked to relate incidences which they themselves observed as well as those that they experienced themselves in the community and in families. Participants were also asked to define their own understanding of what stigma and discrimination meant. They went further to relate incidences which they perceived as self stigma.
The study was conducted in five African countries; Lesotho, Malawi, South Africa, Swaziland and Tanzania. Purposive voluntary sampling was used to select participants. The sample consisted of males and females people living with AIDS (PLWA) and nurses who are clinicians or managers. Focus groups from both rural and urban areas were identified. The size of the FGD's ranged from 4-8 participants in each group and a total of 261 participants were involved.
The following similarities and differences were found between the five countries: 1.While some descriptions (words and phrases) used to describe PLWHA or the disease was similar across all countries, in most countries different aspects were focused on. 2.In most countries descriptions of stigmatizing behaviour was worse in urban areas than in rural areas. 3.The external stigma experienced by PLWHA ranged from simple avoidance or withdrawal, to active abuse. Although the intensity seemed to be different in different countries, the whole range of behaviours was found in all countries. 4.Internal (self) stigma was very low in some countries. These findings will be elaborated on in the paper.