Community factors shaping HIV-related stigma among young people in three African countries.
Despite the high prevalence of HIV/AIDS that exists in many sub-Saharan African countries, very little is known of the prevalence and context of HIV-related stigma in these settings. This paper seeks to understand the community-level factors associated with HIV-related stigma among young people in three culturally contrasting African countries: Burkina Faso, Ghana and Zambia. Using nationally representative data on young people (15-24) from Burkina Faso, Ghana and Zambia, the analysis examines the economic, demographic and behavioral dimensions of community environments that shape HIV-related stigma among young people. The results demonstrate a clear influence of the community environment on shaping HIV-related stigma among young people. The elements of the community that were significantly associated with HIV-related stigma were the economic and behavioral aspects of the community environment, and there was no evidence of relationships between demographic patterns and HIV-related stigma. Behavioral change interventions must address HIV-related stigma in order to encourage behavior change, and must take into account the social, economic and cultural environments in which young people exist.
Stephenson
Rob
R
Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA. rbsteph@sph.emory.edu
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017954:Africa South of the Sahara / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000208:ethnology; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003466:Cultural Characteristics; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology* / Q000635:transmission; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011287:Prejudice; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012307:Risk Factors; D013240:Stereotyping; D055815:Young Adult