Velloza J., Watt M.H., Choi K.W., Abler L., Kalichman S.C., Skinner D., Pieterse D., Sikkema K.J.
Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States; Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States; Department of Psychology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States; Unit for Research on Health and Society, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa
Velloza, J., Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States; Watt, M.H., Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States; Choi, K.W., Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States, Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States; Abler, L., Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States; Kalichman, S.C., Department of Psychology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States; Skinner, D., Unit for Research on Health and Society, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa; Pieterse, D., Unit for Research on Health and Society, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa; Sikkema, K.J., Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States, Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
Alcohol-serving venues in South Africa are sites for high-risk behaviours that may lead to HIV transmission. Prevention and treatment interventions are sorely needed in these settings, but HIV-related stigma may limit their effectiveness. This study explored expressions of stigma among alcohol-serving venue patrons in Cape Town and examined the potential impact of stigma on HIV disclosure, testing and treatment-seeking behaviours. A total of 92 in-depth interviews with male and female, black and coloured patrons were conducted. Transcripts were analysed via memo-writing and diagramming techniques. Many participants mentioned knowing other patrons living with HIV/AIDS (PLWH), and this visibility of HIV impacted expressions of HIV-related stigma. Participants discussed four forms of HIV-related stigma in the venues: fearing PLWH, fearing HIV acquisition, blaming others for spreading HIV and isolating PLWH. HIV visibility and expressions of HIV-related stigma, particularly fear of isolation, influenced participants' willingness to disclose their status. HIV-related stigma in the venues also appeared to indirectly influence testing and treatment-seeking behaviour outside the venue. Results suggest that efforts to change norms and reduce expressions of HIV-related stigma in alcohol-serving venues are necessary to successfully deliver tailored HIV prevention interventions and increase uptake of HIV testing and care in this important social setting. © 2015 Taylor & Francis.