Effects of multiple types of stigma on the probability of HIV disclosure to sex partners: a systematic review

Abstract

Previous review studies explored factors related to the process of HIV disclosure. However, none of these review studies specifically focused on the effects of stigma on HIV disclosure to sex partners. A comprehensive systematic review of empirical studies on the effects of stigma on HIV disclosure to sex partners was conducted until December 2014. Twenty-seven articles published in English-language journals were selected, and study characteristics and findings were evaluated. Inconsistent findings in the assessment of impacts of stigma on HIV disclosure to sex partners were documented. Three underlying plausible reasons were identified, and these included: (1) different types of stigma may have different effects on HIV disclosure to sex partners; (2) studies used different measurement strategies; and (3) varied personal backgrounds and health factors that can mitigate, facilitate or moderate the effect of stigma on HIV disclosure to sex partners. Studies with precise definition measurements of specific types of stigma used them appropriately in a matching context to provide more consistent research results. This review identifies the need for further investigation into how the HIV disclosure process is shaped by particular types of stigma, types of sex partners and demographic characteristics of people living with HIV/AIDS.

Status and associated characteristics of HIV disclosure among people living with HIV/AIDS in Liangshan, China

“…[58] Conversely, a systematic review indicated that the effect of stigma on HIV disclosure varied according to types of stigma, measurements of stigma, and personal background and health. [59] To address the mentioned problems, more homogeneous studies should be conducted to develop stigma-reduction interventions, then to promote HIV disclosure.…”

HIV and Sexual Dysfunction in Men

“…Disclosure of HIV status to the partner could impact on patient's approach to sexuality and on the relationship with the partner, due to the psychological implications that awareness of HIV status imposes/adds to the couple [18]. Disclosure of HIV status, in fact, is strictly related to stigma and depends on individual different approaches to the problem [19].…”

The role of stigma in the acceptance and disclosure of HIV among recently diagnosed men who have sex with men in Australia: A qualitative study

“…People’s ‘reality’ can be greatly influenced by the cultural and social meanings attributed to an illness or condition, particularly if the condition is stigmatized. [17] Sexually transmitted infections (STI), and in particular, HIV, have considerable negative stigma associated with them[8, 18, 19] which can in turn impact on the ways in which people cope with, understand, manage and disclose their HIV diagnosis.…”

“…[5, 6]. The presence of HIV stigma has been shown to result in fewer disclosures, including to sex partners, healthcare workers and family members[8–11] as well as being an obstacle to accessing care and treatment. [12] Implications of non-disclosure include experiencing psychological distress,[13] engaging in behaviours with potentially harmful outcomes (such as substance misuse), and inconsistent compliance with treatment recommendations.…”