Social aspects of AIDS-related stigma in rural Uganda.

In the process of collecting sexual behaviour data through in-depth interviews, 24 respondents offered information on stigma related to HIV-1 infection. Observations of social relations in public places and families of infected individuals were made. The findings suggest that although HIV/AIDS-related stigma has had adverse effects on treatment seeking behaviour of PWAs and coping mechanisms of their families, a more tolerant attitude is starting to emerge in this area. Probably, due to improvements in counselling services and home care schemes for those with AIDS. This supports the call for increased investments in counselling and community development aimed at caring for people with AIDS (PWAs).