An exploratory survey measuring stigma and discrimination experienced by people living with HIV/AIDS in South Africa: the People Living with HIV Stigma Index.
BACKGROUND
The continued presence of stigma and its persistence even in areas where HIV prevalence is high makes it an extraordinarily important, yet difficult, issue to eradicate. The study aimed to assess current and emerging HIV/AIDS stigma and discrimination trends in South Africa as experienced by people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV).


METHODS
The PLHIV Stigma Index, a questionnaire that measures and detects changing trends in relation to stigma and discrimination experienced by PLHIV, was used as the survey tool. The study was conducted in 10 clinics in four provinces supported by the Foundation for Professional Development (FPD), with an interview total of 486 PLHIV. A cross-sectional design was implemented in the study, and both descriptive and inferential analysis was conducted on the data.


RESULTS
Findings suggest that PLHIV in this population experience significant levels of stigma and discrimination that negatively impact on their health, working and family life, as well as their access to health services. Internalised stigma was prominent, with many participants blaming themselves for their status.


CONCLUSIONS
The findings can be used to develop and inform programmes and interventions to reduce stigma experienced by PLHIV. The current measures for dealing with stigma should be expanded to incorporate the issues related to health, education and discrimination experienced in the workplace, that were highlighted by the study.
Psychology Department, University of South Africa, PO Box 392, 0004 Pretoria, South Africa. dsantmml@unisa.ac.za.
Monika Ml
MM
Dos Santos
Pieter
P
Kruger
Shaun E
SE
Mellors
Gustaaf
G
Wolvaardt
Elna
E
van der Ryst
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004651:Employment / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000523:psychology*; D006297:Health Services Accessibility / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011287:Prejudice / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012650:Self Disclosure; D013019:South Africa / Q000453:epidemiology; D013240:Stereotyping; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult