title: HIV/AIDS stigma and persons living with HIV/AIDS in rural Ghana.
abstract: This qualitative study investigated community and family members' perceptions and attitudes toward persons living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHAs) in rural Ghana and how PLWHAs viewed themselves. The purpose was to provide insights into the nature and extent of HIV/AIDS-related stigma for program and policy interventions. Interviews and focus group discussions examined the stigma. Seventy-four participants 18 years and above (60 community members, 10 PLWHAs, 2 family members of PLWHAs, and 2 HIV/AIDS counselors) participated. Results showed that PLWHAs experienced various forms of negative perceptions, were stigmatized by community and family members, and held strong negative views of HIV/AIDS, which negatively affected the way they lived. To reduce HIV/AIDS related stigma in rural areas, HIV/AIDS education programs that call for strong community and family member support for PLWHAs are essential.
authors.affiliation: The State University of New York at Potsdam.
authors.forename: Patricia
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Anafi
authors.affiliation: Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology, Kumasi, Ghana.
authors.forename: Wisdom Kwadwo
authors.initials: WK
authors.lastname: Mprah
authors.affiliation: Dangme East District Health Administration, Ghana Health Service, Ada-Foh.
authors.forename: Ebenezer
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Asiamah
mesh_terms: D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000523:psychology; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D005869:Ghana; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000523:psychology*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010465:Perception; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012424:Rural Population; D057545:Social Stigma