The impact of HIV-related stigma on the psychological well-being of children who have been orphaned by AIDS
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate and report on the effects of HIVrelated stigma on the psychological health of AIDS orphans. The
study used a systematic review methodology to search electronic
databases, including Academic Search Complete, SA
ePublications, MEDLINE, PubMed, BioMed Central, CINHAHL and
PsychARTICLES from January 2004 to September 2015. Inclusion
criteria included: studies of a qualitative, quantitative or mixed
methodology which focused on the effects HIV-related stigma of
the psychological well-being of AIDS orphans, studies were
required to be open access, peer reviewed, full text articles in
English medium. The study extracted findings four systematic
steps: (1) identification; (2) screening; (3) eligibility; (4) inclusion.
The study used a meta-synthesis for the extraction and amalgamation of findings. Nine studies were included in the final review
and showed consistent evidence of HIV-related stigma contributing to the increased level of psychological distress and poor
mental functioning among AIDS orphans. This study was limited
by low levels of disclosure among AIDS orphans and the omission of grey literature. However, it does shed light on the effects
of HIV-related stigma on the psychological well-being of AIDS
orphans.