title: People living with HIV and AIDS on the brink: stigma--a complex sociocultural impediment in the fight against HIV and AIDS in Botswana.
abstract: HIV-related stigma is a life-altering phenomenon. The consequence of the stigmatization process sets apart stigmatized person(s) as a distinct category, leading to various forms of disapproval, rejection, exclusion, labeling, stereotyping, and discrimination. Stigma of HIV-positive people in Botswana is a complex social phenomenon associated with the disease itself and the behaviors that lead to infection. This is a synthesis paper based on the literature review on HIV- and AIDS-related stigmatization of HIV-positive people in Botswana and in-depth interviews with people living with HIV and AIDS (PLWHAs). I examine the literature on HIV- and AIDS-related stigmatization and subsequent discrimination and the implications for intervention programs for people living with HIV and AIDS. The findings from the literature and in-depth interviews show that HIV-AIDS-related stigma is deeply embedded in societal structures and culture which promote nonacceptance of those branded HIV positive. This often is reinforced at a practical level by pervasive negative attitudes toward PLWHAs. Recommendations argue for the adoption of Healthy Relationship. This intervention seeks to promote and strengthen decision-making skills among PLWHAs and programs that promote destigmatization of, and tolerant attitudes toward, PLWHAs.
authors.affiliation: Department of Nursing Education, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana.
authors.forename: Keitseope
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Nthomang
authors.forename: Nthabiseng
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Phaladze
authors.forename: Noma
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Oagile
authors.forename: Barbara
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Ngwenya
authors.forename: Naomi
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Seboni
authors.forename: Kesitegile
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Gobotswang
authors.forename: Rebecca
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Kubanji
mesh_terms: D001294:Attitude to Health / Q000208:ethnology*; D001902:Botswana / Q000453:epidemiology; D003466:Cultural Characteristics; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D011287:Prejudice; D012918:Social Alienation; D012945:Social Values; D013240:Stereotyping