HIV-AIDS Stigma in Burundi: A Qualitative Descriptive Study.

Néstor Njejimana,Lucía Gómez-Tatay,José Miguel Hernández-Andreu

doi:10.3390/ijerph18179300

Abstract

HIV/AIDS stigma is a global issue and a serious problem in African countries. Although prevalence remains high in this region, no detailed study has yet been carried out to determine and characterize this problem in Burundi. Using a qualitative analysis based on an extensive series of 114 interviews, we describe the main characteristics of HIV stigma in the country. The results of our study indicate that the problem of HIV/AIDS stigma is widespread in Burundian society, as all participants in the research reported having experienced some kind of HIV stigma. The seven dimensions of stigma identified in people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in Burundi are physical violence, verbal violence, marginalization, discrimination, self-stigma, fear and insecurity, and healthcare provider stigma. These dimensions of stigma can be experienced through different manifestations, which have been characterized in this study, revealing that the problem of stigma in PLWHA is still an important issue in Burundi.

Highlights

IntroductionThe extent of the infection in the general population has been assessed through three successive national seroprevalence surveys, conducted in 1989, 2002, and 2007
In the period from 9 March to 10 April 2020, 114 people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) (PLWHA) were interviewed at the Ambulatory and Multidisciplinary Care Center for People Living with HIV/AIDS (CPAMP: Centre de Prise en Charge Ambulatorie et Multidisciplinaire des Personnes Vivants avec le VIH/SIDA) in the Kamenge Hospital-University Center (CHUK: Centre HospitaloUniversitaire De Kamenge) in Burundi
HIV Stigma Dimensions Experienced by PLWHA in Burundi

Summary

Introduction

The extent of the infection in the general population has been assessed through three successive national seroprevalence surveys, conducted in 1989, 2002, and 2007 The last of these surveys showed an overall seroprevalence rate of 2.97% in the Burundian population, with rates varying between urban and rural areas, being higher in urban areas (4.59% vs 2.82%) [1]. The 2016–2017 Burundi Demographic and Health Survey provides the most up-to-date data on the epidemiological situation of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/AIDS in the country. According to this survey, 0.9% of men and women between the ages of 15 and 49 are HIV-positive. HIV prevalence is slightly higher among women (1.2%) than men (0.6%), and is more than three times higher in urban (2.5%) compared to rural areas (0.7%) [2]

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Conclusion