HIV positive women's perceptions of stigma in health care settings in Western Cape, South Africa
Okoror, T.A.; Belue, R.; Zungu, N.; Adam, A.Mohamed.; Airhihenbuwa, C.O.
Health Care for Women International 35(1): 27-49
2014
ISSN/ISBN: 0739-9332 PMID: 23514440 DOI: 10.1080/07399332.2012.736566Document Number: 579381
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.