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. 2009 Nov;35(4):407-432.
doi: 10.1177/0095798408329941. Epub 2009 Feb 2.

Stigma, Culture, and HIV and AIDS in the Western Cape, South Africa: An Application of the PEN-3 Cultural Model for Community-Based Research

Collins Airhihenbuwa  1 , Titilayo Okoror, Tammy Shefer, Darigg Brown, Juliet Iwelunmor, Ed Smith, Mohamed Adam, Leickness Simbayi, Nompumelelo Zungu, Regina Dlakulu, Olive Shisana
Affiliations

Stigma, Culture, and HIV and AIDS in the Western Cape, South Africa: An Application of the PEN-3 Cultural Model for Community-Based Research

Collins Airhihenbuwa et al. J Black Psychol. 2009 Nov.

Abstract

HIV- and AIDS-related stigma has been reported to be a major factor contributing to the spread of HIV. In this study, the authors explore the meaning of stigma and its impact on HIV and AIDS in South African families and health care centers. They conducted focus group and key informant interviews among African and Colored populations in Khayelitsha, Gugulethu, and Mitchell's Plain in the Western Cape province. The audio-recorded interviews were transcribed and coded using NVivo. Using the PEN-3 cultural model, the authors analyzed results showing that participants' shared experiences ranged from positive/nonstigmatizing, to existential/unique to the contexts, to negative/stigmatizing. Families and health care centers were found to have both positive nonstigmatizing values and negative stigmatizing characteristics in addressing HIV/AIDS-related stigma. The authors conclude that a culture-centered analysis, relative to identity, is central to understanding the nature and contexts of HIV/AIDS-related stigma in South Africa.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
The PEN-3 Model
Figure 2
Figure 2. PEN-3 Table of Analysis With Examples of Each Category
NOTE: PLWHA = people living with HIV and AIDS.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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