Stigma Experienced by People Living With HIV and AIDS in Soshanguve, South Africa

Abstract

Stigma related to human immunodeficiency virus and acquired immunodeficiency syndromes have been reported as a major barrier to control and prevention globally. Stigmatisation resulting in silence, secrecy and denial not only affects care and treatment, it has serious implications for prevention, which are critical in a disease with such a long subclinical phase. Literature states that human immunodeficiency and acquired in low resourced areas results in individuals suffering from stigma and discrimination. The objective of this paper was to describe reactions of community members in the study area towards people living with HIV and AIDS. The study design is descriptive exploratory qualitative in nature and was conducted in a low resource community in Soshanguve. Focus group discussions were held with community members who met the selection criteria using themes derived from the Stigmatisation model. Tech’s model of content analysis was used to analyse data. Measures of trustworthiness were ensured and ethical considerations were adhered to throughout. The findings revealed that community members reacted in various ways to PLWHA. Salient isolation, myths and misunderstandings, disregard, blame, discrimination and stigmatisation were levelled against PLWHA.

Keywords: Ante–retrovirus Treatment, Discrimination, HIV Counselling and Testing, Stigma