ABSTRACT
The HIV/AIDS stigma, fear and discrimination have been linked with poor participation in Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT) programs. Cultural factors, attitudes and behaviours strongly influence the spread of HIV/AIDS and these have been extensively studied in several sub-Sahara African countries. Similar studies in Papua New Guinea are scanty. This study investigates the extents of HIV/AIDS-Stigma, fear, discrimination and other psychological factors as barriers to the access of VCT and other services in four suburban villages in the National Capital District, Papua New Guinea. The study sites were Baruni, Hanuabada, Pari and Kilakila villages. A semi-structured questionnaire comprising of closed and open ended questions was administered to respondents selected randomly. Groups were selected for focus group discussions. Gender stratification was used to ensure that views of both men and women were equally represented. A total of 333 respondents comprising of 166 (49.8%) males, and 167 (50.2 %) females participated in the survey. Self-stigmatization as a major barrier to VCT was indicated by 90.7% of all the respondents. Gender based differences were not statistically significant. Discrimination by relatives and friends was indicated by 74.8% respondents; 79.0% of respondents would discriminate HIV/AIDS-infected people. A total of 42.0% respondents indicated the possibility of rejection from close relationships. The likelihood of dismissal from workplace was indicated by 68.5% of respondents. Lack of support from health providers (67.0%) and fear of HIV test result (61.6%) were other barriers to VCT indicated by respondents. This study recommends the need to heighten awareness of VCT and to eliminate stigma and fear in order to control the HIV/AIDS pandemic.