HIV positive women's perceptions of stigma in health care settings in Western Cape, South Africa

Health Care Women Int. 2014 Jan;35(1):27-49. doi: 10.1080/07399332.2012.736566. Epub 2013 Mar 20.

Abstract

We explored the cultural context of HIV positive women's perceptions of stigma in health care settings in Western Cape, South Africa. We conducted seven focus groups with women living with HIV/AIDS in Gugulethu and Khayelitsha. We used deductive/inductive approaches to identify themes. Fifty-one women participated, with ages ranging from 18 to 47. Using the PEN-3 model as a guide, we detected these emergent themes: expectation of care (perceptions), care delivery protocols (enablers), and physical environment (nurturers). We recommend that the cultural context in which care is delivered to women living with HIV/AIDS be considered in efforts to reduce and eliminate HIV/AIDS-related stigma in health care settings.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Attitude of Health Personnel
  • Community Health Services / organization & administration*
  • Discrimination, Psychological
  • Female
  • Focus Groups
  • HIV Infections / ethnology
  • HIV Infections / psychology*
  • HIV Infections / therapy
  • Humans
  • Interviews as Topic
  • Middle Aged
  • Patient Satisfaction*
  • Qualitative Research
  • Social Identification
  • Social Stigma*
  • South Africa
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Young Adult