Abstract:
HIV-related stigma is a multidimensional concept which has pervasive effects on the lives of HIV-infected people as well as serious consequences for the management
of HIV/AIDS. In this research three parallel stigma scales were developed to assess personal views of stigma, stigma attributed to others, and internalised stigma experienced by HIV-infected individuals. The stigma scales were administered in two samples: a community sample of 1,077
respondents and 317 HIV-infected pregnant women recruited at clinics from the same community in Tshwane (South Africa). A two-factor structure referring to moral judgment
and interpersonal distancing was confirmed across scales and sample groups. The internal consistency of the scales was
acceptable and evidence of validity is reported. Parallel scales to assess and compare different perspectives of stigma
provide opportunities for research aimed at understanding stigma, assessing the consequences or evaluating possible
interventions aimed at reducing stigma.
