Mass Media, Stigma, and Disclosure of HIV Test Results: Multilevel Analysis in the Eastern Cape, South Africa

Abstract

In this article, we examine the role of mass media and interpersonal communication in affecting knowledge of HIV/AIDS, reducing stigma, using condoms, and increasing the likelihood of disclosing HIV test results to sexual partners and family members. Data from a 2002 household survey in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa are used to measure levels of stigma, interpersonal communication, willingness to disclosure HIV test results and condom use. We use a multilevel framework that accounts for the social context in which individuals access information, gauge social norms, and make decisions about the costs and benefits of HIV testing and disclosure. The results provide support for the positive effects of both media exposure and informal social networks on ideational factors, namely changes in knowledge and stigma, which lead to behavior change. Consistent with common models of health communication dynamics, these latter factors dominate decisions regarding disclosure of HIV test results and condom use.

Evaluation of a Health Setting-Based Stigma Intervention in Five African Countries

“…These are very high percentages compared to other studies in Africa. Hutchinson et al 26 reported a 13% level in a sample of 417 members of the general public in rural South Africa, while Kalichman and Simbayi 27 reported a history of knowing their own status of 27% in 429 urban dwellers in the same country. It is encouraging that these nurses, who carry a double risk for HIV due to occupational exposure, are taking steps to know their own status.…”

The Effects of HIV Stigma on Health, Disclosure of HIV Status, and Risk Behavior of Homeless and Unstably Housed Persons Living with HIV

“…HIV stigma affects not only people who have been diagnosed with HIV, but also has negative effects on those with undiagnosed HIV infection, those who are at-risk for HIV or are members of groups at increased risk, and the friends and family members of PLWHA (Bogart et al 2008;Murphy et al 2006). Exposure to information and positive portrayals of PLWHA in the mass media and other intervention strategies have been shown to reduce HIV stigma (Brown et al 2003;O'Leary et al 2007;Hutchinson et al 2007), but too few have been implemented widely in the United States. There is a critical need to mobilize additional resources to counter the pernicious presence of HIV stigma and its deleterious effects.…”

The Disclosure Experiences of Male Child Sexual Abuse Survivors

“…Alaggia and Mishna (2014) also noted that several high profile cases involving male CSA have surfaced in North America in recent years exposing abuse both in organized sports and in religious sectors. While not directly linked to CSA, a study examining the impact of mass media on stigma and disclosure of HIV status, determined that when presented positively, the media could contribute to reducing stigma and potentially lead to more disclosure (Hutchinson, Mahlalela, & Yukich, 2007), therefore suggesting that using positive media could help break stigma and reduce the taboo on topics otherwise rarely discussed.…”