AIDS Related Stigma Since the appearance of AIDS

Aids

AIDS Related Stigma Since the appearance of AIDS in the late seventies and early eighties, the disease has had attached to it a significant social stigma. This stigma has manifested itself in the form of discrimination, avoidance and fear of people living with AIDS (PLWAs). As a result, the social implications of the disease have been extended from those of other life threatening conditions to the point at which PLWAs are not only faced with a terminal illness but also social isolation and constant discrimination throughout society. Various explanations have been suggested as to the underlying causes of this stigmatization. Many studies point to the relationship the disease has with deviant behavior. Others suggest that fear of contagion is the actual culprit. Examining the existing literature and putting it into societal context leads one to believe that there is no one cause. Instead, there would appear to be a collection of associated factors that influence society’s attitudes towards AIDS and PLWAs. As the number of people infected with HIV increases, social workers are and will be increasingly called upon to deal with and serve PLWAs. Although not all social workers chose to work with PLWAs, the

Fears of AIDS and homophobia: implications for direct practice and advocacy. , 1996; Canadian Association of Social Workers, 1990; Quam, 1990 & Beauger, 1989). Much of the existing AIDS education material focuses on medical aspects of the disease and prevention. With an understanding of the issue of AIDS related stigma, it is essential for the field of social work to address this issue. An especially strong association exists between homosexuality and AIDS. Responses to persons with AIDS: fear of contagion or stigma?. As children, many people were told that of what could happen to them if they strayed from what their parents or religious doctrine considered appropriate behaviour. L"tmAssociation des Medecines de Langue Francaise du Canada (Ed.