“…Firstly, stigma as a trait is a characteristic that is viewed negatively by society, and secondly, stigma as an outcome occurs when the negative social meanings that are attached to the discrediting characteristic become labelled to an individual (Berger, Ferrans, & Lashley, 2001;Goffman, 1963). HIV-related stigmatisation is an example of this negative social labelling which alters the way people living with HIV are viewed and treated by others (enacted stigma), and how they view themselves (selfstigma) (Thorsen, Sundby, & Martinson, 2008 Several studies have shown that HIV-related perceived stigma may result in negative health behaviour such as non-adherence, avoiding HIV testing, non-disclosure of HIV status and poor patterns of accessing health care (Dlamini et al, 2009;Greeff & Phetlhu, 2007;Makoae et al, 2008;Mills, Nachega, Bangsberg et al, 2006;Mills, Nachega, Buchan et al, 2006;Nyblade & MacQuarrie, 2006;Peltzer, Mosala, Shisana, Nqueko, & Mngqundaniso, 2007;Plummer et al, 2006;Pulerwitz, Michaelis, Lippman, Chinaglia, & Diaz, 2008;Wolfe et al, 2006).…”