Understanding HIV/AIDS stigma

By Sandra Prosalendis, H.J. Deacon, I. Stephney

Subjects: HIV-positive persons, Review, Patients, Methods, Prejudice, HIV infections, AIDS (Disease), HIV Infections, Behavioral Research, Mental health, Stigma (Social psychology), Psychology

Description: At a time when alarming numbers of people with HIV/AIDS seek help under cover of darkness, deeply ashamed of their plight, it is crucial to find ways to better comprehend and address the specific nature of stigma around HIV/AIDS in southern Africa. Drawing on a cross-disciplinary, critical review of academic literature on this issue, the authors explore a range of theoretical approaches to conceptualizing stigma. Highlights the theoretical and methodological approaches that are most relevant in southern Africa.