The Association of Perceived, Internalized, and Enacted HIV Stigma With Medication Adherence, Barriers to Adherence, and Mental Health Among Young People Living With HIV in Zambia

Few studies have examined the independent effects of different manifestations of HIV stigma experiences on health outcomes among youth living with HIV in low- and middle-income countries. We examined the association of internalized, enacted, and perceived HIV stigmas with medication adherence, self-esteem, depression, and barriers to adherence. Young people living with HIV aged 18-21 years (N = 120) were purposively sampled from two health facilities in Eastern Province, Zambia, and completed self-report measures. Results indicated heterogeneous associations. Internalized HIV stigma was positively associated with depression and negatively associated with adherence, adherence motivation, behavioral adherence skills, and self-esteem. Perceived stigma was negatively associated with self-esteem. No significant association was observed between enacted stigma and health outcomes. The complexity of HIV stigma requires a precise explication of the associations among different HIV stigma experiences and outcomes, which can inform the development of stigma reduction interventions targeting one or more stigma experiences

SOGERV Market Assessment

The Sustainable Off-grid Electrification of Rural Villages (SOGERV) Project seeks to create sustainable energy supply businesses in remote communities in Chikwawa District by deploying appropriate/affordable renewable energy technologies and applications. Little data is readily available in this context to guide the choice of technology and type and level of application. This study describes the market assessment approach taken to determine the viability of specific renewable energy technologies prior to implementation. The objective of the market assessment will provide a means for business planning and technology choice for those businesses