Abstract
The study investigated correlates of perceived HIV-related stigma among 673 HIV-positive women from rural Mpumalanga province, South Africa (mean age 28 years old, SD = 5.73 years). The women completed measures of HIV-related stigma experience and related personal factors. Following multivariable logistic regression, results showed that lack of male involvement during the ante-natal visits was significantly associated with all four perceived HIV-related stigma factors. Lower income, intimate partner violence (IPV), lower education, and experienced HIV-related stigma were associated with a combination of the four components of perceived HIV-related stigma. From these findings, we conclude that higher levels of education, income, and partner involvement are protective factors against perceived HIV-related stigma, at multiple layers. Improving on adult education and income generating activities can help in reducing HIV-related stigma. Male partner involvement in their partner's pregnancy, the initiation of support groups for both women and men, as well as community-based IPV prevention interventions may help to reduce perceived HIV-related stigma among women living with HIV.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 141-148 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | Journal of Psychology in Africa |
Volume | 29 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 4 Mar 2019 |
Keywords
- HIV
- negative self-image
- pregnant
- stigma
- women
- TO-CHILD TRANSMISSION
- INTERNALIZED STIGMA
- POSTNATAL DEPRESSION
- HIV/AIDS
- EXPERIENCES
- DISCLOSURE
- PREVENTION
- PEOPLE
- GENDER
- DISCRIMINATION