Community Stigma and community perception Feelings of shame and discrimination were associated with HIV. In particular, fear of being seen at clinics when attempting to access HIV resources. Fears relating to perceived lack of confidentiality by clinic staff within clinics Education and HIV sensitization via door to door outreach, radio and TV programs were identified as ways to combat stigma and negative community perception of PLWH.
Assurance of patient privacy could be achieved by enforcing harsh consequences for confidentiality breaches by clinic staff Cultural Gender inequality Women were identified as inferior to men. Men were sexual and financial decision makers in relationships It was suggested that gender equality could be achieved from female empowerment by way of education, drama which depicted role models for AGYW and assertiveness training. Male buy in to the above activities was believed to be central in achieving gender equality Sexual violence Sexual assault, rape and sexual abuse were common and often times not reported, especially in rural regions.
Sexual assaults on women were attributed to their style of dress, and as inciting sexual violence Male sensitization on issues of sexual assault, rape and sexual abuse was said to be needed to eradicate their occurrences. It was believed Zambian law enforcement should be more involved in cases of sexual violence IPV Violence against female partners was common; some thought it acceptable, others did not.
Acceptability of IPV was especially high in rural areas. IPV was often viewed as an act of love for a male partner to discipline or correct his female counterpart Implementation and enforcement of laws that protected AGYW against violent partners was strongly suggested to discourage IPV.
Community summaries were also developed by the Zambian team to ensure concurrence between teams. Ethical approval This research involves human participants, and University of Miami Miller School of Medicine Institutional Review Board and University of Zambia Research Ethics Committee approval was obtained prior to conducting any study-related procedures.
