People's Perceptions of HIV/AIDS as Portrayed by their Labels of the Disease: the Case of Botswana

It is typical of societies to come up with their own labels or names to any phenomenon that may befall them in the course of their life time. Human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) has been no exception to this practice. In Botswana most of these labels are either in Setswana or eng whereby an Eglish expression is simply adopted and used to refer to HIV/AIDS. This study looks at the different labels or names that have been used to refer to HIV/AIDS in Botswana. It is an attempt to provide insights into perceptions of HIV/AIDS by the local communities portrayed through the naming of this disease. The study demonstrates how; through the different labels; the local communities started in denial distancing themselves from this disease and in some cases associating AIDS with ailments already known to them; cultural practices and taboos. Some of these labels further demonstrate the negative attitudes that may have fuelled HIV-related stigma in the country. Based on the informants' responses; the paper further attempts a categorisation of these labels influenced by different attitudes to HIV/AIDS; some of which are self-perpetuating and may continue to be a hindrance to the fight against the disease

Denial as a response to counselling and testing

The objectives was to investigate denial as a response to counselling and testing. This is a qualitative study. Eighteen individuals were followed up for a period of up to five years after they had been informed that they were HIV positive; or had AIDS. Most had early symptoms when first counselled and tested. Their responses was observed through direct observation by community health workers and the principal researcher; or through informal interviews. Denial was manifested verbally by subjects in the following ways: - by denying that they had a positive test for HIV. - by denying that they had any symptoms at all - by denying that their symptoms could be attributed to AIDS. The majority of subjects took new partners after they had been informed of their serostatus. In some cases this was part of 'proof' of their normality. People may response to the information that they are HIV positive or have AIDS; by denial particularly if their illness does not seem to progress quickly to a terminal stage. In the stages of adjustment to a terminal illness; denial is a normal response when the person is first informed. However the person will then usually move through the stages of anger; bargaining and depression to final acceptance. In AIDS; due to the prolonged and fluctuating nature of their illness; a person may remain in the stage of denial for many years disadvantage of offering early counselling and testing to those who are hIV positive