The Sociological Spread of HIV/AIDS in South Africa

Mitton, Jennifer

doi:10.1016/s1055-3290(06)60393-2

Cited by 17 publications

(12 citation statements)

References 5 publications

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“…For example, it is known that those with limited access to financial assets and resources often resort to risky sexual behaviour in return for jobs, accommodation, money, transport, food and other survival necessities. Additionally, poor educational experiences and illiteracy prevent people from gaining an understanding of the means by which HIV is transmitted, and limited access to health facilities in economically disadvantaged areas can compound the problem (Evian, 1993; Mitton, 2000). …”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The political context of AIDS-related stigma and knowledge in a South African township community

Forsyth

Vandormael

Kershaw

et al. 2008

SAHARA-J: Journal of Social Aspects of HIV/AIDS

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The purpose of this study was to examine the presentation of AIDS-related stigma and knowledge within the political context of the South African government’s response to the AIDS epidemic. It was during the 2000 - 2004 period that key government officials publicly challenged the orthodox views of HIV/AIDS, with the South African president, Thabo Mbeki, actively positing the primary role of poverty and other socio-economic stressors in the progression of the AIDS epidemic. This discursive position had real-time effects for AIDS policy-making and ultimately delayed the implementation of a national antiretroviral (ARV) rollout programme. Consequently this position was criticised by commentators in the media and elsewhere for contributing to an already widespread climate of AIDS stigmatisation and misinformation. To shed more light on these claims we conducted a survey in 2005 in Atteridgeville, a South African township, and compared results with those of a similar survey conducted shortly after ARV medications became available in 2004. Results indicated a reduction in AIDS stigma levels across the 1-year period, and that those participants who endorsed contentious political views (such as those expressed by key government officials) were more likely to have a higher level of AIDS-related stigma than those who disagreed. Nevertheless, this study cautions against drawing a causal relationship between the South African government’s position and AIDS-stigmatising attitudes, and suggests that further political and social factors be accounted for in an attempt to gain a fuller understanding of this seemingly complex relationship.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The political context of AIDS-related stigma and knowledge in a South African township community

Forsyth

Vandormael

Kershaw

et al. 2008

SAHARA-J: Journal of Social Aspects of HIV/AIDS

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…There have been many indicators of a lack of commitment by the government to properly address the HIV=AIDS crisis in South Africa. Examples include (a) a delay in allowing infected mothers to be given prophylaxis treatment to prevent transmission to their infants, (b) misappropriation of state funds for dubious HIV prevention campaigns, (c) failure to spend all of the funds allocated in the AIDS budget, and (d) denying access to lifeprolonging drugs to all of those who need them (Mitton, 2000;Delius & Walker, 2002;Henderson, 2000;Schneider & Fassin, 2002;van Niekerk, 2001). One commentator has described the slow (and inexplicable) actions of the government as ''death by dithering '' (''Death by Dithering,'' 2003, p. 67).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Caring for a Loved One with AIDS: A South African Perspective

Demmer¹

2006

Journal of Loss and Trauma

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The aim of the current study was to give a voice to individuals in South Africa who care for loved ones dying of AIDS. In-depth interviews were conducted with 18 family caregivers in the province of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa. Because of the stigma attached to AIDS, both caregivers and the person with AIDS were forced to remain silent, and an unspoken agreement existed whereby neither AIDS nor the impending death were typically acknowledged by the caregiver or the sick person. Because of the context in which they lived, the caregiver and the dying person were denied the opportunity to say goodbye, and anticipatory grief was relatively rare on the part of the caregiver because the sick person usually only sought help from family members shortly before dying. Caregivers were also unable to obtain much support from either the community or professionals. In general, caregivers were satisfied that they had done the best they could under very difficult circumstances. Some broad guidelines are suggested for addressing the concerns of caregivers in the South African context.

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“…16 In South Africa, AIDS primarily affects the poorest, most disadvantaged groups. 34 Most of the poor have inadequate provision of water, sanitation, and electricity, and more than one third of children younger than 5 years old are undernourished. [35][36] These social and economic problems "create a particular vulnerability to the devastating consequences of the epidemic."…”

Section: Living Conditions Of Terminally Ill Patients and Their Familiesmentioning

confidence: 99%

AIDS and Palliative Care in South Africa

Demmer

2007

Am J Hosp Palliat Care

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As a result of limited access to antiretroviral treatment, many South Africans die yearly of AIDS. It is important that the end-of-life needs of these people be met. This article examines the major challenges involved in providing quality end-of-life care to people with AIDS in South Africa. Published reports are reviewed, as is the author's experience living and working in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The issues discussed include the nature of the South African health care system, with emphasis on the scarcity of palliative care resources for AIDS patients, ineffective control of pain, models of care such as the integrated community-based home care model that relies heavily on community caregivers to meet the needs of people dying of AIDS, the living conditions of AIDS patients and their families, and AIDS-related stigma. Broad recommendations are presented for improving palliative care services for people with AIDS in the South African context.

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The Sociological Spread of HIV/AIDS in South Africa

Cited by 17 publications

References 5 publications

The political context of AIDS-related stigma and knowledge in a South African township community

The political context of AIDS-related stigma and knowledge in a South African township community

Caring for a Loved One with AIDS: A South African Perspective

AIDS and Palliative Care in South Africa

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