Experiences of Social Stigma and Implications For Healthcare Among a Diverse Population of HIV Positive Adults

Abstract

Stigma profoundly affects the lives of people with HIV/AIDS. Fear of being identified as having HIV or AIDS may discourage a person from getting tested, from accessing medical services and medications, and from disclosing their HIV status to family and friends. In the present study, we use focus groups to identify the most salient domains of stigma and the coping strategies that may be common to a group of diverse, low-income women and men living with HIV in Los Angeles, CA (n = 48). We also explore the impact of stigma on health and healthcare among HIV positive persons in our sample. Results indicate that the most salient domains of stigma include: blame and stereotypes of HIV, fear of contagion, disclosure of a stigmatized role, and renegotiating social contracts. We use the analysis to develop a framework where stigma is viewed as a social process composed of the struggle for both internal change (self-acceptance) and reintegration into the community. We discuss implications of HIV-related stigma for the mental and physical health of HIV-positive women and men and suggestions for possible interventions to address stigma in the healthcare setting.

Stigma and Discrimination faced by HIV-infected Adults on Antiretroviral Therapy for more than 1 Year in Raichur Taluk, Karnataka, India

“…29 Such an association was also suggested in different studies across the world. 15,17,21,22,30 The fear of losing jobs, verbal abuse, and family and social rejection was main reasons for nondisclosure in the study population, same as other studies. 8,31 According to Mbonu et al, 28 stigma and resultant depression could be a major cause for more risky behavior among the people.…”

HIV-Disclosure, Social Support, and Depression Among HIV-Infected African American Women Living in the Rural Southeastern United States

“…Social support is also shown to be positively associated with disclosure of HIV-positive status (Kalichman et al, 2003;Smith et al, 2008). However, interactions with judgmental and unsupportive people and/or the lack of supportive relationships often lead to nondisclosure, withdrawal from the social networks, and social isolation (Sayles, Ryan, Silver, Sarkisian, & Cunningham, 2007).…”

Psychosocial Characterization Of HIV Clients With Potential To Be Change Agents For HIV Prevention In Uganda

“…Sayles and colleagues [6] describe a psychological process that a person living with HIV goes through from the time they are diagnosed HIV positive. First they deal with the stigma of HIV (internalized and societal stigma), and in the process of coming to terms with the diagnosis they begin to regain a sense of selfacceptance.…”