Using primary data and a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods
the study looks into ramifications of ostracism as a factor influencing people’s
behavior towards the spread of HIV/AIDS, which have devastating effects on
the structure and composition of the family in Botswana. The study showed that
the highest proportion of respondents who would abandon an HIV positive
partner (58.4%) occurs among young people aged 15 to 19 years; and that the
propensity to abandon an HIV positive partner diminishes with advancement in
age. In-depth inquiries on why HIV positive partners would be abandoned
produced responses that revolved around fear of exposure, vulnerability and
association with an HIV positive individual. The study showed that the highest
proportion of respondents who would not reveal their HIV positive status occurs
among those who have lost a relative or a friend to AIDS. Fear of being isolated,
rejected, stigmatized and unwanted featured among the top reasons why
respondents would not reveal their HIV positive status. Society’s reaction
towards HIV positive individuals and families with HIV/AIDS patients appeared
strong enough to drive individuals to hide their positive status and to go ahead
and take the risk of onward transmission of the virus.