Abstract
The aim of this literature review is to elucidate what is known about HIV/AIDS and stigma in Sub-Saharan Africa. Literature about HIV/AIDS and stigma in Sub-Saharan Africa was systematically searched in Pubmed, Medscape, and Psycinfo up to March 31, 2009. No starting date limit was specified. The material was analyzed using Gilmore and Somerville's (1994) four processes of stigmatizing responses: the definition of the problem HIV/AIDS, identification of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA), linking HIV/AIDS to immorality and other negative characteristics, and finally behavioural consequences of stigma (distancing, isolation, discrimination in care). It was found that the cultural construction of HIV/AIDS, based on beliefs about contamination, sexuality, and religion, plays a crucial role and contributes to the strength of distancing reactions and discrimination in society. Stigma prevents the delivery of effective social and medical care (including taking antiretroviral therapy) and also enhances the number of HIV infections. More qualitative studies on HIV/AIDS stigma including stigma in health care institutions in Sub-Saharan Africa are recommended.
Highlights
The current data show that the global human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) epidemic is stabilizing, statistics still report an unacceptably high level of infection and progress is uneven in many countries [1]
HIV/AIDS stigma is a general phenomenon which affects People living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in all parts of the world, in this paper, we focused on an analysis of the factors contributing to stigma identified from empirical studies in Sub-Saharan Africa, books, theoretical, and review papers
This review was based on a systematic compilation and evaluation of literature on HIV/AIDS stigma in Sub-Saharan Africa
Summary
The current data show that the global HIV/AIDS epidemic is stabilizing, statistics still report an unacceptably high level of infection and progress is uneven in many countries [1]. The reaction to PLWHA varies, with some PLWHA receiving support which positively affects them, HIV/AIDS stigma negatively affects seeking HIV testing, seeking care after diagnosis, quality of care given to HIV patients, and the negative perception and treatment of PLWHA by their communities and families, including partners [4, 5]. It isolates people from the community and affects the overall quality of life of HIV patients [2, 3, 6, 7]
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