Abstract

While extensive literature has documented factors associated with HIV and AIDS, psychosocial variables associated with the health of persons living with HIV (PLWH) have only recently begun to receive attention. However, the literature on the role of self-condemnation remains inconclusive. This paper forms part of a study aimed at exploring the role of self-condemnation in people living with HIV and AIDS in Johannesburg, South Africa. Individual in-depth interviews were conducted with 10 purposefully selected participants. Results indicate that self-condemnation significantly impacts the lives of persons living with HIV and AIDS. For instance, self-condemnation may lead PLWHs to refrain from seeking health care, adhering to medical treatment, and self-isolation. Findings contribute to a clearer understanding of the impact of self-condemnation on HIV/AIDS patients and HIV/AIDS service providers such as healthcare professionals as well as the existing body of knowledge in the field of social work and HIV and AIDS.

Presenters

Thobeka Sweetness Nkomo
Associate Professor, Social Work, Witwatersraand, Gauteng, South Africa

Details

Presentation Type

Paper Presentation in a Themed Session

Theme

Interdisciplinary Approaches

KEYWORDS

SELF FORGIVENESS, SELF-CONDEMNATION, HIV/ AIDS, PLWH, ADHERENCE

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