Exploring HIV-Related Stigma in Kerala, India

Abstract

The purpose of this qualitative study was to understand whether HIV-positive persons experience stigma in relation to HIV/AIDS and how it has impacted their lives and that of their families. Ethnographic techniques were used to collect data from Kerala, India. The findings were organized into three themes: (a) physical appearance and HIV-related stigma; (b) the “informed” and the “ignorant”: knowledge and ignorance in the context of HIV/AIDS; and (c) immorality as a perceived cause of HIV infection and the family context. The study highlighted the need to develop a more nuanced understanding of HIV-related stigma that extends beyond the current conceptualization of stigma

KEYWORDS:

• HIV/AIDS
• India
• Kerala
• stigma

Acknowledgments

The first author would like to recognize the financial support received from Manitoba Graduate Scholarship and Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute.