Perceptions of HIV-Associated Stigma in the U.S. Virgin Islands
Journal Title: HIV/AIDS Research and Treatment – Open Journal - Year 2018, Vol 0, Issue 1
Abstract
Introduction: The U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) has one of the highest HIV rates in the U.S. to date. In order to understand the high prevalence of HIV, it is important to identify the factors that contribute to HIV, especially those with relevance to the specific culture of the USVI. Aim and Methods: Quantitative surveys and qualitative in-depth interviews were conducted to examine the socio-cultural factors that contribute to the high rates of HIV in the USVI. The study included a sample size of 52 participants, including community members, healthcare providers, and people living with HIV. The purpose of this secondary analysis was to identify the stigmas about HIV that persist in the USVI. Results: Qualitative analysis of in-depth interviews using NVivo software (version 10) found that the most prevalent stigma was the Fear of Gossip and Being Labeled by the community. This stigma referred to the fear of being labeled as HIV-positive or gossiped about if an individual had been seen near an HIV-related health facility. Others types of stigma included: Fear of HIV; Invincibility and Appearance; Preferred Ignorance and Denial; Cultural Resistance to Change; Sexual Expectations Based on Gender or Age; Resistance to Condoms or other Contraceptive Use; and Prejudice against members of the LGBTQA+ Community. Conclusions/Implications: Several different categories of stigma were identified and the results show that the stigma surrounding HIV in the USVI is not limited to one overarching stigma. A possible implication of HIV/AIDS-related stigmas are that they may discourage those who are HIV positive from getting treatment or disclosing their HIV status to sexual partners. These results also have implications for HIV prevention and HIV care in the USVI and similar areas.
Authors and Affiliations
Safiya George Dalmida
Keywords
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- EP ID EP560733
- DOI 10.17140/HARTOJ-SE-1-104
- Views 109
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