Cultural implications of death and loss from AIDS among women in South Africa
Iwelunmor, J.; Airhihenbuwa, C.O.
Death Studies 36(2): 134-151
2012
ISSN/ISBN: 0748-1187 PMID: 24567985 DOI: 10.1080/07481187.2011.553332Document Number: 581323
Over 1.8 million people have died of AIDS in South Africa, and it continues to be a death sentence for many women. The purpose of this study was to examine the broader context of death and loss from HIV/AIDS and to identify the cultural factors that influenced existing beliefs and attitudes. The participants included 110 women recruited from 3 communities in South Africa. Focus group methodology was used to explore their perceptions surrounding death and loss from HIV/AIDS. Using the PEN-3 cultural model, our findings revealed that there were positive perceptions related to how women cope and respond to death and loss from HIV/AIDS. Findings also revealed existential responses and negative perceptions that strongly influence how women make sense of increasing death and loss from HIV/AIDS. In the advent of rising death and loss from HIV/AIDS, particularly among women, interventions aimed at reducing negative perceptions while increasing positive and existential perceptions are needed. These interventions should be tailored to reflect the cultural factors associated with HIV/AIDS.