Troubling Discourse: The Social Justice Approach Towards Combating HIV and AIDS Stigmatisation Among Adolescents

Abstract

This study investigated the experiences of adolescents living with HIV and AIDS. Interviews were conducted with ten black female adolescents who were diagnosed HIV-positive to determine the effect of positive diagnosis on their being. Three of the participants chose to participate in an individual interview, and seven agreed to a focus group interview. Interview data were thematically analysed using panning procedures. Most adolescents reported stigmatization on all levels of interaction which could add to their reported feelings of isolation. Participants furthermore reported a change in behaviour and an assigned acceptance of their status. This qualitative study provides evidence that stigma is one of the major barriers for creating a safe and supporting environment for adolescents living with HIV, and the community should take responsibility for the added feelings of shame, shock and isolation that youth experience.

Keywords:

• Social justice
• HIV and Aids
• stigma
• discrimination
• exclusion