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HIV exceptionalism and the South African HIV and AIDS epidemic: perspectives of health care workers in Pietermaritzburg

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)

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:unisa/oai:uir.unisa.ac.za:10500/1375
Date31 October 2008
CreatorsStill, Linda Joy
ContributorsDu Plesis, G. E. (Dr.), Roets, L. (Mr.)
Source SetsSouth African National ETD Portal
LanguageEnglish
Detected LanguageEnglish
TypeDissertation
Format1 online resource (xii, 146 leaves.)

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