title: Stigma, Culture, and HIV and AIDS in the Western Cape, South Africa: An Application of the PEN-3 Cultural Model for Community-Based Research.
abstract: HIV- and AIDS-related stigma has been reported to be a major factor contributing to the spread of HIV. In this study, the authors explore the meaning of stigma and its impact on HIV and AIDS in South African families and health care centers. They conducted focus group and key informant interviews among African and Colored populations in Khayelitsha, Gugulethu, and Mitchell's Plain in the Western Cape province. The audio-recorded interviews were transcribed and coded using NVivo. Using the PEN-3 cultural model, the authors analyzed results showing that participants' shared experiences ranged from positive/nonstigmatizing, to existential/unique to the contexts, to negative/stigmatizing. Families and health care centers were found to have both positive nonstigmatizing values and negative stigmatizing characteristics in addressing HIV/AIDS-related stigma. The authors conclude that a culture-centered analysis, relative to identity, is central to understanding the nature and contexts of HIV/AIDS-related stigma in South Africa.
authors.affiliation: Penn State University, University Park.
authors.forename: Collins
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Airhihenbuwa
authors.forename: Titilayo
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Okoror
authors.forename: Tammy
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Shefer
authors.forename: Darigg
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Brown
authors.forename: Juliet
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Iwelunmor
authors.forename: Ed
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.forename: Mohamed
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Adam
authors.forename: Leickness
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Simbayi
authors.forename: Nompumelelo
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Zungu
authors.forename: Regina
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Dlakulu
authors.forename: Olive
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Shisana