Abstract
This study qualitatively explores HIV-related gossip as both a manifestation and driver of HIV-related stigma, which is a known barrier to HIV testing and treatment in Botswana. Data were elicited from 5 focus group discussions and 46 semi-structured in-depth interviews with individuals living with HIV and community members with undisclosed serostatus in Gaborone, Botswana in 2017 (n = 84). Directed content analysis using the ‘What Matters Most’ theoretical framework identified culturally salient manifestations of HIV-related stigma; simultaneous use of Modified Labeling Theory allowed interpretation and stepwise organization of how the social phenomenon of gossip leads to adverse HIV outcomes. Results indicated that HIV-related gossip can diminish community standing through culturally influenced mechanisms, in turn precipitating poor psychosocial well-being and worsened HIV-related outcomes. These harms may be offset by protective factors, such as appearing healthy, accepting one’s HIV status, and community education about the harms of gossip.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 2535-2547 |
Number of pages | 13 |
Journal | AIDS and Behavior |
Volume | 27 |
Issue number | 8 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Aug 2023 |
Keywords
- Botswana
- Culture
- Gossip
- HIV/AIDS
- Stigma
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Social Psychology
- Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
- Infectious Diseases