Risks, stigma and Honduran Garífuna conceptions of HIV/AIDS

The HIV/AIDS epidemic along Honduras’ north coast has intensified in recent years and become particularly severe in Garífuna communities. Based on a qualitative study in the community of Las Espinas and comparison with results from an earlier knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and practices survey, this article explores Garífuna ideas about the disease, focusing on issues of risk perception and stigma. Using correspondence analysis with data from systematic elicitation techniques we abstract the local schema of HIV/AIDS, showing how accurate knowledge of transmission co-occurs with cultural judgments about safe partners, increasing chances for infection. Despite broad familiarity with the disease in the community it remains highly stigmatized, suggesting continuing problems in coming to terms with the epidemic as treatment becomes more widely available in Honduras. Questions of power, sexuality and affective expectations about partners complicate the situation for women hoping to prevent infection. Given the broader risk environment characterized by labor migration and transnational movement, vital interventions and educational efforts in Garífuna communities will need to be complemented with prevention efforts in contexts where men make a living.