Correlates of perceived HIV-related stigma among HIV-positive pregnant women in rural Mpumalanga province,South Africa |
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| Authors: | Shandir Ramlagan Sibusiso Sifunda Karl Peltzer Jenny Jean Robert A.C. Ruiter |
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| Affiliation: | 1. HIV/Aids, STI and TB Unit, Human Sciences Research Council, Pretoria, South Africa;2. Department of Work and Social Psychology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands;3. Department of Research and Innovation, University of Limpopo, Sovenga, South Africa;4. Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, USA;5. Department of Work and Social Psychology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands |
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| 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. |
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| Keywords: | HIV negative self-image pregnant stigma women |
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