The Stigma of Being Named "AIds Carriers" on Haitian-American Women

AIDS-related stigma has impacted the lives of many individuals, including Haitians. Little, however, is known about the long-term effects AIDS-stigmatization has had on Haitian women living in the United States. A pilot study was conducted to explore Haitian-American women's perceptions of the impact of the AIDS epidemic on their lives. The long-term effects of AIDS-stigmatization fell into five categories: rejection by the dominant society, self-doubt, effect on self-esteem, effect on intimate relationships, and rejection by Haitians within their community. More extensive research is needed to explore the long-term effects of the AIDS epidemic on Haitian women. Additionally, to counter the negative effects of the AIDS epidemic, intervention strategies need to be developed and tested.