HIV-related stigma is a multidimensional concept which has pervasive effects on the lives of HIV-infected people as well as
serious consequences for the management of HIV/AIDS. In this research three parallel stigma scales were developed to assess
personal views of stigma, stigma attributed to others, and internalised stigma experienced by HIV-infected individuals. The
stigma scales were administered in two samples: a community sample of 1,077 respondents and 317 HIV-infected pregnant women
recruited at clinics from the same community in Tshwane (South Africa). A two-factor structure referring to moral judgment
and interpersonal distancing was confirmed across scales and sample groups. The internal consistency of the scales was acceptable
and evidence of validity is reported. Parallel scales to assess and compare different perspectives of stigma provide opportunities
for research aimed at understanding stigma, assessing the consequences or evaluating possible interventions aimed at reducing
stigma.
Keywords HIV-related stigma - Stigma scales - Quantitative measurement - African context