The limited success of HIV-testing facilities in South Africa means that many
people are not accessing necessary antiretroviral treatment services. This
study investigates the practical implications of HIV exceptionalism inherent in
Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT). A semi-structured interview
schedule was used to survey participants for their perspectives on barriers to
HIV-testing uptake as well as the effects of exceptionalist practices at VCT
clinics. Responses showed marked perceptions of gender differences in
people's willingness to test and several important barriers including problems
of access to services. Significantly, exceptionalism displayed in certain clinic
procedures was thought to contribute to stigma, and attempts to normalise
HIV practice in order to combat the effects of stigma were being informally
implemented. Participants' views on routine opt-out testing were explored.
The researcher recommended further investigation on how HIV testing and
treatment policies can be normalised so as to reduce stigma and increase
testing uptake. / Social Work / M.A. Sociology (Social Behaviour Studies in HIV/AIDS)
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:unisa/oai:uir.unisa.ac.za:10500/1375 |
| Date | 31 October 2008 |
| Creators | Still, Linda Joy |
| Contributors | Du Plesis, G. E. (Dr.), Roets, L. (Mr.) |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Dissertation |
| Format | 1 online resource (xii, 146 leaves.) |
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