Work

Antiretroviral therapy and aging as resources for managing and resisting HIV-related stigma in rural South Africa

Year: 2022

Type: article

Abstract: The widespread roll-out of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Africa has contributed to a large population of adults aging with HIV. However, little is known about how HIV-related stigma interacts with aging in the ART era. This study uses in-depth interviews with middle-aged and older South Africans living with HIV to explore stigma-related experiences and response strategies. Participants describe a persistence of stigma which requires the deployment of a range of common and age-based stigma management and resistance strategies. We find that participants minimize their exposure to stigma through selective disclosure of their HIV status; neutralize HIV-related stigma through comparisons to chronic illnesses common among older adults, and deflect stigma through asserting an ART-adherent identity and othering younger non-adherent adults. Overall, our study highlights the roles of ART and aging as resources for managing and resisting HIV-related stigma.

Source: SSM - Qualitative Research in Health

DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmqr.2022.100148

Authors: Danielle Denardo, Sanyu A. Mojola, Enid Schatz, F. Xavier Gómez-Olivé

Institutions: Soka University of America, University of the Witwatersrand, Princeton University, Agincourt Health and Socio-Demographic Surveillance System, University of Missouri

Language: English

Topic: HIV/AIDS Research and Interventions

Subfield: Infectious Diseases

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,450