AIDS-related stigma, HIV testing, and transmission risk among patrons of informal drinking places in Cape Town, South Africa
Pitpitan, E.V.; Kalichman, S.C.; Eaton, L.A.; Cain, D.; Sikkema, K.J.; Skinner, D.; Watt, M.H.; Pieterse, D.
Annals of Behavioral Medicine a Publication of the Society of Behavioral Medicine 43(3): 362-371
2012
ISSN/ISBN: 1532-4796 PMID: 22367752 DOI: 10.1007/s12160-012-9346-9Document Number: 561696
AIDS-related stigma as a barrier to HIV testing has not been examined within the context of high at risk environments such as drinking venues. Of particular importance is whether AIDS-related stigma is associated with HIV transmission risks among people who have never been tested for HIV. We examined: (1) AIDS-related stigma as a barrier to testing, controlling for other potential barriers, and (2) whether stigma is associated with HIV risks among HIV-untested individuals. We surveyed 2,572 individuals attending informal drinking establishments in Cape Town, South Africa to assess HIV testing status, AIDS-related stigma endorsement, and HIV transmission sexual risk behavior. Endorsement of AIDS-related stigma was negatively associated with HIV lifetime testing. In addition, stigma endorsement was associated with higher HIV transmission risks. AIDS-related stigma must be addressed in HIV prevention campaigns across South Africa. Antistigma messages should be integrated with risk reduction counseling and testing.
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