| Title | Older African Americans' management of HIV/AIDS stigma |
| Publication Type | Journal Article |
| Year of Publication | 2009 |
| Authors | Foster, PPayne, Gaskins, SW |
| Journal | AIDS CareAIDS Care |
| Volume | 21 |
| Pagination | 1306-1312 |
| Date Published | Oct |
| ISBN Number | 0954-0121<br/>1360-0451 |
| Accession Number | Peer Reviewed Journal: 2010-11251-012 |
| Keywords | *aids, *Disease Management, *Geriatrics, *hiv, *Stigma, Blacks, Human Male Female Adulthood (18 yrs & older) Middle Age (40-64 yrs) Aged (65 yrs & older), Immunological Disorders [3291], older adults, African Americans, disease management, HIV, AIDS, stigma, us |
| Abstract | The purpose of this study was to describe HIV/AIDS-related stigma in older African Americans living in the South, a population disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS. Four focus groups were conducted with 24 men and women over 50 years old and a confirmed diagnosis of HIV. The focus group discussions were audiotaped and transcribed for analysis. Additionally, two stigma instruments, Self-Perceptions of HIV Stigma, and Stigma Impact of HIV, were used to enhance the qualitative data from the focus groups. Constant comparative data analysis of the focus group discussions resulted in four themes related to HIV/AIDS stigma: (1) disclosure; (2) stigma experiences; (3) need for HIV/AIDS education; and (4) acceptance of the disease. Strategies to prevent or decrease anticipated stigma were described, such as selective or non-disclosure and not receiving care where they lived. The stigma instruments indicated that the participants had experienced the most stigma related to their internalized shame about having HIV disease, and had experienced little or no direct stigma. The study findings have implications for designing prevention programs, and strategies to improve social support for this age group. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved) (journal abstract). |
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