HIV Stigma May Be Lessened By Access To Antiretroviral Therapy

Main Category: HIV / AIDS
Article Date: 13 Aug 2008 - 3:00 PDT

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Researchers examined HIV stigma in a population-based study of 1,268 adults in Botswana in 2004, after the introduction of a national program of universal access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) in 2002.

Results showed 38 percent of participants had at least one stigmatizing attitude; 23 percent would not buy food from a shopkeeper with HIV and 5 percent would not care for a relative with HIV. Fifty-four percent anticipated being ostracized after testing positive for HIV ("anticipated stigma"). When comparing these figures to a 2001 study that used similar measures of stigmatizing attitudes, researchers found a decrease, suggesting that HIV stigma may have lessened since the 2002 policy of universal ART.

The study's authors found that perceived access to ART was strongly associated with decreased odds of holding stigmatizing attitudes and of anticipated stigma.

"HIV stigma represents a widespread and significant barrier to HIV prevention, testing, and treatment," the study's authors said. "Universal access to ART may play a critical role in the reduction of HIV stigma in sub-Saharan Africa." However, the authors continue, this cannot be the only approach to tackling the issue of HIV stigma, but rather should be part of a multimodal strategy including educational initiative, community mobilization and social and legal reform.

From: "The Impact of Universal Access to Antiretroviral Therapy on HIV Stigma in Botswana."

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