**3. Results**

The results are presented in the form of tables and figures as shown below. The results indicated that although the percentage of people expressing discriminatory attitudes toward people living HIV/AIDS remains high, it has been declining over the past several years. Figures I to III show trends in the percentage of people expressing discriminatory attitudes toward people living with HIV and AIDS, classified by gender.

Figure I shows that men tended to discriminate a shopkeeper who sells vegetables more than other people living with HIV and AIDS. Men were less discriminating when it came to their family members who were living with HIV and AIDS. However, over time these discriminatory attitudes appear to be declining, which may suggest that anti-stigma and discrimiation interventions that the Government of Botswana has embarked on are producing the desired outcomes.

Figure II portrays that females compared to their male counterparts were less discriminating against people living with HIV and AIDS. The percentage of females reporting discriminatory attitudes were much lower than those of their male counterparts. In addition, the speed or pace of the decline in the percentage of females expressing discriminatory attitudes against people living with HIV and AIDS is much faster than those of the males over time. It is also evident from this figure that females were less discriminating when their family members were involved compared to those who were considered distant family-wise.

Figure III simply presents the percentage of both males and females combined who discriminate against people living with HIV and AIDS. This figure shows results very similar to what has already been discussed. Overall, discriminatory attitudes toward people living with HIV and AIDS have declined over time. Family members living with HIV and AIDS were less discriminated against compared to other groups of people.

#### **3.1 Levels and trends in percentage of people who reported that they would not care for a family member sick with HIV and AIDS**

From Table 1 and Figure 3, the percentage of the population who reported that they would not care for a family member sick with HIV and AIDS decreased from 11.5 percent in 2001 to 7.6 percent in 2004 and finally to 3.6 percent in 2008. Generally, a higher percentage of males were more likely to portray HIV-related stigma and discriminatory attitudes than their female counterparts ( see Figures 1 and 2). For example, in 2001, 13.2 percent of males reported that they would not care for a family member sick with HIV and AIDS compared to 10.1 percent of females. The same pattern emerged in the BAIS 2004 and 2008 results (11.8 percent males versus 4.6 percent females in 2004 and 5.3 percent versus 4.3 percent in 2008).

may not be reliable because of differences in the age structures in the three sample populations, direct standardization procedure was used to eliminate the compositional effects or confounding. Standardization involved taking the 2001 population in 10-year age groups from 10 to 64 years as a standard and applying to it the specific proportions expressing discriminatory attitude for the populations being compared. This produced the number of expected population expressing discriminatory attitudes which was compared with the actual number of people expressing discriminatory attitudes in the standard population. The ratio of expected divided by observed gave the standardized proportion. The standardized proportions were used to examine the levels and trends in the population

The results are presented in the form of tables and figures as shown below. The results indicated that although the percentage of people expressing discriminatory attitudes toward people living HIV/AIDS remains high, it has been declining over the past several years. Figures I to III show trends in the percentage of people expressing discriminatory attitudes

Figure I shows that men tended to discriminate a shopkeeper who sells vegetables more than other people living with HIV and AIDS. Men were less discriminating when it came to their family members who were living with HIV and AIDS. However, over time these discriminatory attitudes appear to be declining, which may suggest that anti-stigma and discrimiation interventions that the Government of Botswana has embarked on are

Figure II portrays that females compared to their male counterparts were less discriminating against people living with HIV and AIDS. The percentage of females reporting discriminatory attitudes were much lower than those of their male counterparts. In addition, the speed or pace of the decline in the percentage of females expressing discriminatory attitudes against people living with HIV and AIDS is much faster than those of the males over time. It is also evident from this figure that females were less discriminating when their family members

Figure III simply presents the percentage of both males and females combined who discriminate against people living with HIV and AIDS. This figure shows results very similar to what has already been discussed. Overall, discriminatory attitudes toward people living with HIV and AIDS have declined over time. Family members living with HIV and

**3.1 Levels and trends in percentage of people who reported that they would not care** 

From Table 1 and Figure 3, the percentage of the population who reported that they would not care for a family member sick with HIV and AIDS decreased from 11.5 percent in 2001 to 7.6 percent in 2004 and finally to 3.6 percent in 2008. Generally, a higher percentage of males were more likely to portray HIV-related stigma and discriminatory attitudes than their female counterparts ( see Figures 1 and 2). For example, in 2001, 13.2 percent of males reported that they would not care for a family member sick with HIV and AIDS compared to 10.1 percent of females. The same pattern emerged in the BAIS 2004 and 2008 results (11.8 percent males versus 4.6 percent females in 2004 and 5.3 percent versus 4.3 percent in 2008).

expressing discriminatory attitudes toward people living with HIV/AIDS.

were involved compared to those who were considered distant family-wise.

AIDS were less discriminated against compared to other groups of people.

toward people living with HIV and AIDS, classified by gender.

**3. Results** 

producing the desired outcomes.

**for a family member sick with HIV and AIDS** 

Socio-demographic differentials showed that the proportion of the population who reported that they would not care for a family member sick with HIV and AIDS decreased as age increased, although slightly higher proportions of people aged 50 and above tended to portray higher levels of HIV-related stigma and discrimination. A similar pattern was observed for both males and females.

Fig. 1. Levels and trends in the proportion of males who expressed discriminatory attitudes toward people living with HIV and AIDS

Trends and Levels of HIV/AIDS-Related Stigma and

22.5 11.0 5.8 5.5 8.1 3.0

7.6 17.9 12.0 9.1

6.0 14.7 16.5

Botswana AIDS Impact Surveys (BAIS) I, II & III

20.5 6.8 2.0 4.3 4.9 5.1

9.8 13.4 7.9 3.2

4.0 5.3 13.4 21.5 8.7 3.5 4.8 6.3 4.2

8.7 15.4 9.5 6.4

4.8 7.6 14.8

Socio-

demographic variables

**Age group**  10-19 20-29 30-39 40-49 50-59 60-64

**Education**  No education Primary Secondary Higher

**Marital status**  Married Once married Never married

**Adjusted Total** 

the respondent.

**%** 

Discriminatory Attitudes: Insights from Botswana AIDS Impact Surveys 231

19.7 9.0 8.8 2.3 5.8 10.0

13.5 8.9 9.1 0.9

7.7 4.5 10.2

**Total % 13.5 9.9 11.5 8.7 3.8 5.8 4.9 3.1 3.9** 

Table 1. Percentage of the population who reported that they would not care for a family member sick with HIV & AIDS, actual and standardized percentages, by survey and sex,

Generally, a higher percentage of people with primary education compared to other educational categories tended to report that they would not care for a family member sick with HIV and AIDS compared to those with other educational achievements. People with post-secondary education overall were less likely to report that they would not care for a family member sick with HIV and AIDS. This pattern also emerged regardless of the sex of

With regards to marital status, a higher percentage of never married people reported that they would not care for a family member sick with HIV and AIDS compared to people in other marital categories. Married or living together couples were less likely to report that

**3.2 Levels and trends in percentage of people who reported that a teacher who has** 

should not be allowed to teach compared to 15.7 percent in 2008 (see Table 2).

In 2001, 43.2 percent of people stated that a teacher who has HIV or AIDS but not sick

they would not care for a family member sick with HIV and AIDS.

**HIV and AIDS but not sick should not be allowed to teach** 

BAIS I BAIS II BAIS III

Male Female Total Male Female Total Male Female Total

6.3 3.6 3.2 3.3 4.4 7.4

9.1 4.1 2.9 1.3

4.2 2.2 3.8

**13.2 10.1 11.5 11.8 4.6 7.6 5.3 4.3 3.6** 

12.5 5.3 5.6 2.8 5.0 9.0

11.6 6.1 4.8 1.1

> 5.8 2.6 6.3

8.6 5.1 2.3 1.7 3.4 2.1

5.8 7.7 3.8 2.5

2.1 4.3 6.6 6.7 2.1 1.8 1.5 1.9 5.1

4.7 4.5 2.3 2.0

1.5 2.7 4.3 7.6 3.5 2.0 1.6 2.5 3.8

5.3 5.9 2.9 2.2

1.8 3.1 5.4

Fig. 2. Levels and trends in the proportion of females who expressed discriminatory attitudes toward people living with HIV and AIDS

Fig. 3. Levels and trends in the proportion of both males and females who expressed discriminatory attitudes toward people living with HIV and AIDS


Fig. 2. Levels and trends in the proportion of females who expressed discriminatory

Fig. 3. Levels and trends in the proportion of both males and females who expressed

discriminatory attitudes toward people living with HIV and AIDS

attitudes toward people living with HIV and AIDS


Table 1. Percentage of the population who reported that they would not care for a family member sick with HIV & AIDS, actual and standardized percentages, by survey and sex, Botswana AIDS Impact Surveys (BAIS) I, II & III

Generally, a higher percentage of people with primary education compared to other educational categories tended to report that they would not care for a family member sick with HIV and AIDS compared to those with other educational achievements. People with post-secondary education overall were less likely to report that they would not care for a family member sick with HIV and AIDS. This pattern also emerged regardless of the sex of the respondent.

With regards to marital status, a higher percentage of never married people reported that they would not care for a family member sick with HIV and AIDS compared to people in other marital categories. Married or living together couples were less likely to report that they would not care for a family member sick with HIV and AIDS.

#### **3.2 Levels and trends in percentage of people who reported that a teacher who has HIV and AIDS but not sick should not be allowed to teach**

In 2001, 43.2 percent of people stated that a teacher who has HIV or AIDS but not sick should not be allowed to teach compared to 15.7 percent in 2008 (see Table 2).

Trends and Levels of HIV/AIDS-Related Stigma and

**vegetables from shopkeeper who had HIV and AIDS** 

who had HIV or AIDS were predominantly males.

vegetables from a shopkeeper who had HIV or AIDS.

emerged regardless of the sex of the respondent.

primary education, and the never married.

**4. Discussion** 

not buy vegetables from a shopkeeper who had HIV or AIDS.

vegetables from a shopkeeper who had HIV or AIDS (see Table 3).

the sex of the respondent.

Discriminatory Attitudes: Insights from Botswana AIDS Impact Surveys 233

should not be allowed to teach compared to those with higher educational achievement (see Table 2). People with tertiary education were less likely to report that a teacher who has HIV or AIDS but not sick should not be allowed to teach. This pattern also emerged regardless of

With regards to marital status, a higher percentage of never married people reported that a teacher who has HIV or AIDS but not sick should not be allowed to teach compared to people in other marital categories. Married or living together couples were less likely to

**3.3 Levels and trends in percentage of people who reported that they would not buy** 

Overall, the percentage of people indicating discriminatory attitudes toward a shopkeeper who has HIV or AIDS has been decreasing over time (Figures 1 to 3). About 60.7 percent of people in 2001 compared to 23.5 percent in 2008 indicated that they would not buy

The majority of people who stated that they would not buy vegetables from a shopkeeper

The percentage of the population that reported that they would not buy vegetables from an HIV positive shopkeeper varied in an unclear direction in terms of ages for both males and females. It would appear that young people generally stated that they would not buy

A higher percentage of people with no education and those with primary education compared to other educational categories tended to report that they would not buy vegetables from a shopkeeper who had HIV or AIDS compared to those with higher educational achievement. People with tertiary education were less likely to report that they would not buy vegetables from a shopkeeper who had HIV or AIDS. This pattern also

With regards to marital status, a higher percentage of never married people reported that they would not buy vegetables from a shopkeeper who had HIV or AIDS compared to those people in other marital categories. Married couples were less likely to state that they would

The purpose of the paper was to estimate the levels and trends of HIV-related stigma in Botswana using three Botswana AIDS Impact Surveys (BAIS) I, II and III. The study shows that HIV/AIDS-related discriminatory attitudes among Batswana are declining. HIV/AIDSrelated discrimination is much lower when an HIV infected person is a family member of the respondent. The study results showed that people who were more likely to report that a teacher who has HIV or AIDS but not sick should not be allowed to teach were males, those who had primary education, and the never married. The results showed that people who were more likely to report that a teacher who has HIV or AIDS but not sick should not be allowed to teach were males, those who had primary education, and the never married. The study also showed that people who were more likely to report that they would not buy vegetables from a shopkeeper who had HIV or AIDS were males, those who had no or

state that they would not care for a family member sick with HIV and AIDS.

Again, a higher percentage of males were more likely to portray HIV-related stigma and discriminatory attitudes than their female counterparts (Figures 1 and 2). Overall, 48.1 percent of males indicated that a teacher who has HIV or AIDS but not sick should not be allowed to teach compared to 39.2 percent of females in 2001. These percentages were recorded as 37.2 and 23.5 percent respectively in 2004 and 19.2 and 12.7 percent respectively in 2008.


Table 2. Percentage of the population who reported that a teacher who has HIV & AIDS but not sick should not be allowed to teach, actual and standardized percentages, by survey and sex, Botswana AIDS Impact Surveys (BAIS) I, II & III

The proportion of the population who reported that a teacher who has HIV or AIDS but not sick should not be allowed to teach that a teacher who has HIV or AIDS but not sick should not be allowed to teach did not vary significantly by age for both males and females. There is no clear trend that can be discerned from the data in terms of age differentials.

Generally, a higher percentage of people with no or primary education compared to other educational categories tended to report that a teacher who has HIV or AIDS but not sick should not be allowed to teach compared to those with higher educational achievement (see Table 2). People with tertiary education were less likely to report that a teacher who has HIV or AIDS but not sick should not be allowed to teach. This pattern also emerged regardless of the sex of the respondent.

With regards to marital status, a higher percentage of never married people reported that a teacher who has HIV or AIDS but not sick should not be allowed to teach compared to people in other marital categories. Married or living together couples were less likely to state that they would not care for a family member sick with HIV and AIDS.

#### **3.3 Levels and trends in percentage of people who reported that they would not buy vegetables from shopkeeper who had HIV and AIDS**

Overall, the percentage of people indicating discriminatory attitudes toward a shopkeeper who has HIV or AIDS has been decreasing over time (Figures 1 to 3). About 60.7 percent of people in 2001 compared to 23.5 percent in 2008 indicated that they would not buy vegetables from a shopkeeper who had HIV or AIDS (see Table 3).

The majority of people who stated that they would not buy vegetables from a shopkeeper who had HIV or AIDS were predominantly males.

The percentage of the population that reported that they would not buy vegetables from an HIV positive shopkeeper varied in an unclear direction in terms of ages for both males and females. It would appear that young people generally stated that they would not buy vegetables from a shopkeeper who had HIV or AIDS.

A higher percentage of people with no education and those with primary education compared to other educational categories tended to report that they would not buy vegetables from a shopkeeper who had HIV or AIDS compared to those with higher educational achievement. People with tertiary education were less likely to report that they would not buy vegetables from a shopkeeper who had HIV or AIDS. This pattern also emerged regardless of the sex of the respondent.

With regards to marital status, a higher percentage of never married people reported that they would not buy vegetables from a shopkeeper who had HIV or AIDS compared to those people in other marital categories. Married couples were less likely to state that they would not buy vegetables from a shopkeeper who had HIV or AIDS.
