The impact of living with HIV: differences in experiences of stigma for heterosexual and homosexual people living with HIV in Australia

Sexual Health ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 316 ◽  
Author(s):  
Loren Brener ◽  
Hannah Wilson ◽  
Sean Slavin ◽  
John de Wit
Keyword(s):  
Hiv Treatment ◽  
Hiv Stigma ◽  
Heterosexual Transmission ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Hiv Status ◽  
Health And Wellbeing ◽  
Gay Community ◽  
Related Stigma ◽  
Living With Hiv ◽  
The Impact

Background HIV in Australia has been closely aligned with the gay community and continues to disproportionately affect members of this community. Although heterosexual transmission remains low, recently there has been an increase in new HIV diagnoses attributable to heterosexual sex. This highlights the need to address the health and social consequences for heterosexual people living with HIV (PLHIV). This subanalysis of a larger study compared the experiences of stigma, health and wellbeing of a sample of gay and heterosexual PLHIV. Methods: Data were drawn from a study of experiences of stigma among PLHIV in Australia. All 49 participants who reported being heterosexual were included, as were 49 participants randomly selected from the 611 gay participants. The samples were compared on perceived HIV stigma, HIV treatment-related stigma, perceived negative reactions of others, HIV status disclosure, and health and wellbeing measures. Results: The findings illustrate that heterosexual PLHIV have more negative experiences in terms of both general HIV stigma and treatment-related stigma than gay PLHIV. The heterosexual PLHIV also perceived greater negative reactions in relation to their HIV status by different people in their social environment and were less likely to access treatment than the gay PLHIV. There were no differences between the two groups in any of the health and wellbeing measures. Conclusions: This study shows that in the Australian context, heterosexual PLHIV may feel more stigmatised than gay PLHIV. In view of lower HIV treatment uptake in heterosexual PLHIV, addressing HIV-related stigma could contribute to increasing access to HIV treatment.

Quality of Life in People Living With HIV: An Exploratory Cross-Sectional Survey in Belgium

2021 ◽  
Vol 33 (3) ◽  
pp. 249-264
Author(s):  
Gert Scheerder ◽  
Sandra Van den Eynde ◽  
Patrick Reyntiens ◽  
Ria Koeck ◽  
Jessika Deblonde ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Sexual Life ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Related Stigma ◽  
Living With Hiv ◽  
The Impact

This cross-sectional survey explored the quality of life in 505 people living with HIV in Belgium. Several domains of quality of life were impaired: 26% had been diagnosed with depression and 43% had weak social support. HIV-related stigma is still widespread, with 49% believing most people with HIV are rejected and 65% having experienced discrimination due to HIV. The impact of HIV was limited on professional life, but 40% experienced a negative impact on life satisfaction and 41% a negative impact on sexual life. For several domains, people with a recent diagnosis of HIV and long-term survivors had significantly worse scores. This survey also uncovered strengths of people living with HIV, such as positive coping and HIV self-image. Expanding the scope of quality of life in people living with HIV may provide a more complete picture of relevant life domains that may be impacted by living with HIV, but this needs further validation.

scholarly journals Health care providers and HIV

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne C. Wagner
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Factor Analysis ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Hiv Stigma ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Related Stigma ◽  
Convergent And Divergent Validity ◽  
Living With Hiv

The current investigation seeks to examine the attitudes and beliefs of health care providers in Canada about people living with HIV. The line of research consists of three studies. Study 1 was a qualitative study conducted with a critical lens. The critical lens was used in a series of four focus groups when qualitatively soliciting opinions about the range of attitudes, behaviours and cognitions health care providers may have towards people living with HIV. Study 2 used the information gathered from Study 1 to develop a scale to assess HIV stigma in health care providers. Items were created from examples and themes found in the qualitative study, and were tested via exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, test-retest reliability analysis, and assessed for convergent and divergent validity. Study 3 examined the newly developed scale’s relationship to proposed overlapping stigmas and attitudes, and tested the adapted intersectional model of HIV-related stigma with health care trainees using the newly developed HIV stigma scale as an outcome measure. The line of research found that HIV stigma continues to be a significant problem in the health care system. The scale developed in Study 2 demonstrates that HIV stigma can be conceptualized and assessed as a tripartite model of discrimination, stereotyping and prejudice, and that this conceptualization of HIV stigma supports an intersectional model of overlapping stigmas with homophobia, racism, stigma against injection drug use and stigma against sex work.

HIV Stigma Reduction Through Peer-Led Advocacy Training

2021 ◽  
Vol 33 (4) ◽  
pp. 303-311
Author(s):  
Susan Reif ◽  
Haley Cooper ◽  
Elena Wilson ◽  
Gina Brown ◽  
Nicole Beckwith ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Well Being ◽  
Hiv Stigma ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Advocacy Training ◽  
Ongoing Training ◽  
Related Stigma ◽  
Training And Support ◽  
Living With Hiv ◽  
The U.S

HIV-related stigma is pervasive in the U.S. South and has potential negative effects on health outcomes and emotional well-being, and may act as a barrier to HIV-related advocacy among people living with HIV (PLWH). This article reports on the preliminary outcomes associated with participation in an HIV advocacy training for PLWH, LEAD, that included education and skills building for reducing HIV-related stigma. Fifty-seven PLWH at four sites in the U.S. South participated in the retreat-style training and completed a survey measuring stigma and comfort engaging in advocacy prior to and after the worshop. Participation was associated with statistically significant reduction in internalized HIV stigma and increase in comfort with participation in advocacy; however, participants reported a need for ongoing training and support to further increase comfort with advocacy participation. Although more research is needed on the LEAD Workshop, it shows promise as an option for reducing HIV-related stigma among PLWH.

scholarly journals An Integrated Approach to HIV Disclosure for HIV-Affected Families in Thailand

2019 ◽  
Vol 18 ◽  
pp. 232595821983102 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jureeporn Jantarapakde ◽  
Chitsanu Pancharoen ◽  
Somsong Teeratakulpisarn ◽  
Pornpen Mathajittiphan ◽  
Rosalin Kriengsinyot ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Family Relationship ◽  
Integrated Approach ◽  
Hiv Disclosure ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Hiv Status ◽  
Hiv Knowledge ◽  
Group Education ◽  
Living With Hiv ◽  
Hiv Programs ◽  
The Impact

Disclosure of HIV status to family members could improve communication, relationship, and cohesion. We evaluated the impact of a family-centered program designed to increase the readiness/willingness of parents to disclose HIV status to their children. People living with HIV (PLWH) with children ≥8 years were surveyed regarding HIV knowledge, family relationship, attitudes, willingness/readiness to disclose, and they were then invited to participate in group education and family camps. Of 367 PLWH surveyed, 0.8% had disclosed, 14.7% had not yet disclosed but were willing/ready to disclose, 50.4% were willing but not ready, and 33.2% did not wish to disclose. The educational sessions and camps led to significant improvements of HIV knowledge and disclosure techniques, and readiness/willingness to disclose. Given the benefits of group education and family camps in supporting PLWH to improve their communication with their families and disclose their HIV status, these supporting activities should be included in HIV programs.

scholarly journals Psychological sexuality features in people living with HIV with the presence and the lack of substance use

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 91-101
Author(s):  
Darya V. Antonova ◽  
Victor V. Bocharov ◽  
Nelli S. Chrustaleva
Keyword(s):  
Substance Use ◽  
Heterosexual Transmission ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Hiv Status ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Number Of Children ◽  
Opposite Sex ◽  
Living With Hiv ◽  
First Time ◽  
Angular Transformation

Psychological sexuality features in people living with HIV with and without substance use as a determinant of the HIV epidemic growth were explored. The study involved 136 respondents (2 groups of 50 people with different infection routes: blood-borne infection route and heterosexual transmission; 36 individuals without HIV). The following research methods were used: a specially developed clinical map, an original authors questionnaire Infection risk and the disease situation (allows to register the main characteristics of the life situation of the disease), the incomplete sentences test of Sachs Levy, Freiburgh Personality Inventory, I-structure Ammon test. Data processing included the Fisher criterion (Fisher angular transformation), ANOVA, content analysis. Significant negative effects in sexual sphere related to gender and the presence of HIV were revealed in the study. It has been established that people living with HIV with and without substance use differ in the frequency of concealment of HIV status and the presence of destructive type of sexuality. It has been established that people living with HIV and healthy respondents differ in the frequency of unrealistic way of thinking regarding opposite sex. A frequent occurrence of negatively colored attitude towards opposite sex and positively colored attitude towards sexual relations was noted in all groups. The results of the study determine the need for timely preventive measures in all population groups and psychocorrectional measures among people living with HIV, which will allow to prevent an increase in the number of children and adolescents with HIV. Psychological sexuality features in people living with HIV in the Russian sample were studied for the first time. The results are partially confirmed in foreign literature.

scholarly journals Disclosure of HIV seropositivity to sexual partner in Ethiopia: A systematic review

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 ◽  
pp. 174550652110630
Author(s):  
Aklilu Endalamaw ◽  
Yibeltal Assefa ◽  
Demeke Geremew ◽  
Habte Belete ◽  
Berihun Assefa Dachew ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Confidence Interval ◽  
Odds Ratio ◽  
Adjusted Odds Ratio ◽  
Sexual Partners ◽  
Hiv Positive ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Hiv Status ◽  
Living With Hiv ◽  
Status Disclosure ◽  
The Impact

Introduction: In Ethiopia, the burden of HIV/AIDS is a public health issue that requires significant control of transmission. Once an infection has been established, determinants influence people living with HIV to disclose or not their HIV-positive status to sexual partners. This study assessed the proportion and associated factors of people living with HIV’s disclosure status to sexual partners. Methods: CRD42020149092 is the protocol’s registration number in the PROSPERO database. We searched PubMed, Scopus, African Journals Online, and Google Scholar databases. For the subjective and objective assessment of publication bias, we used a funnel plot and Egger’s regression test, respectively. The I2 statistic was used to assess variation across studies. Meta-analysis of weighted inverse variance random-effects model was used to estimate the pooled proportion. We conducted subgroup and sensitivity analyses to investigate the cause of heterogeneity and the impact of outliers on the overall estimation, respectively. A trend analysis was also performed to show the presence of time variation. Results: The percentage of people living with HIV who disclosed their HIV-positive status to sexual partners was 76.03% (95% confidence interval: 68.78, 83.27). Being on antiretroviral therapy (adjusted odds ratio = 6.19; 95% confidence interval: 2.92, 9.49), cohabiting with partner (adjusted odds ratio = 4.48; 95% confidence interval: 1.24, 7.72), receiving HIV counseling (adjusted odds ratio = 3.94; 95% confidence interval: 2.08, 5.80), having discussion prior to HIV testing (adjusted odds ratio = 4.40; 95% confidence interval: 2.11, 6.69), being aware of partner’s HIV status (adjusted odds ratio = 6.08; 95% confidence interval: 3.05, 9.10), positive relationship with partner (adjusted odds ratio = 4.44; 95% confidence interval:1.28, 7.61), and being member of HIV association (adjusted odds ratio = 3.70; 95% confidence interval: 2.20, 5.20) had positive association with HIV status disclosure. Conclusion: In Ethiopia, more than one-fourth of adults living with HIV did not disclose their HIV-positive status to sexual partners. HIV-positive status disclosure was influenced by psychosocial factors. A multidimensional approach is required to increase seropositive disclosure in Ethiopia.

scholarly journals Determinants and effects or consequences of internal HIV-related stigma among people living with HIV in Morocco

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Amal Ben Moussa ◽  
Rosemary M. Delabre ◽  
Virginie Villes ◽  
Mohammed Elkhammas ◽  
Aziza Bennani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Negative Binomial ◽  
Care Center ◽  
Healthcare Access ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Hiv Status ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Stigma And Discrimination ◽  
Stigma Score ◽  
Related Stigma ◽  
Living With Hiv

Abstract Background HIV-related stigma and discrimination constitute a barrier to different intervention programs. Unlike external stigma, internal stigma is not well explored in in the Middle East and North African countries, while grasping this particular form of stigma is essential to limit its effects. The present study aims to measure internal stigma effects and to identify factors associated with this kind of stigma not yet documented among people living with HIV (PLHIV) in Morocco. Methods The PLHIV Stigma Index questionnaire (adapted and translated into French and Moroccan Arabic dialect “darija”) was used to collect information regarding the stigma and discrimination experienced by PLHIV across 8 cities in Morocco (September–October 2016). A randomly drawn cluster of 10 PLHIV, consisting of 5 men and 5 women, was drawn at each participating medical care center to achieve a nationally representative sample of PLHIV. Fifteen interviewers living with HIV and five supervisors were selected and trained to administer the questionnaire. An internal stigma score (range: 0–7), was calculated based on seven negative feelings/ beliefs. Negative binomial regression was used to identify characteristics associated with the internal stigma score. Results Among 626 PLHIV, internal stigma was reported by 88.2%. The median [IQR] internal stigma score was 4 [2–5]. Regarding internal stigma, 51% avoided going to the local clinic when needed and 44% chose not to attend social gatherings. Belonging to at least one key population (aIRR [95%CI] = 1.15 [1.03; 1.28]), experiencing discriminatory reactions from family following HIV status disclosure (1.28 [1.11; 1.49]), avoiding HIV services for fear of stigmatization by staff (1.16 [1.05; 1.28]) and being denied health services because of HIV status (1.16 [1.03;1.32]), are among the factors significantly associated with an increase of the internal stigma score. Conclusions Internal stigma is high among Moroccan PLHIV and significantly impacting their life decisions and their healthcare access. Multi-level interventions are needed to address internal stigma experienced by PLHIV in Morocco.

scholarly journals Stigmatization among People Living with HIV/AIDS at the Kumba Health District, Cameroon

2020 ◽  
Vol 19 ◽  
pp. 232595821989930 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas Obinchemti Egbe ◽  
Cynthia Adanze Nge ◽  
Hermann Ngouekam ◽  
Etienne Asonganyi ◽  
Dickson Shey Nsagha
Keyword(s):  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Hiv Treatment ◽  
Health District ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Stigma Reduction ◽  
Related Stigma ◽  
Living With Hiv ◽  
Hiv Aids

We determined the level, type of stigma, and risk factors associated with stigmatization of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) by conducting a cross-sectional study from April to June 2018 in 3 HIV treatment centers in the Kumba Health District (KHD), Cameroon. We reviewed hospital registers, conducted focus group discussions, and administered structured questionnaires. For data analysis, we used the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 20.0. We recorded a total stigma index score of 59.1. Internal stigma (odds ratio [OR] 2.91; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.74-4.98) was common in PLWHA. Also, younger age <30 years (adjusted OR [AOR]: 0.39; 95% CI: 0.17-0.94) was linked with stigma reduction while low level of education (AOR: 1.74; 95% CI: 1.02-2.97) increased the stigma level. HIV-related stigma is pervasive in the lives of PLWHA, with most of them having internal stigmatization. Appropriate health education on HIV will be crucial in reducing stigmatization in the KHD.

scholarly journals Impacts of HIV Stigma on Psychosocial Well-Being and Substance Use Behaviors Among People Living With HIV/AIDS In China: Across the Life Span

2018 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
pp. 108-119 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chen Zhang ◽  
Xiaoming Li ◽  
Yu Liu ◽  
Yuejiao Zhou ◽  
Zhiyong Shen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Substance Use ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Hiv Stigma ◽  
Psychological Status ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Coping Skill ◽  
Mixed Effect ◽  
Living With Hiv ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Hiv Aids

To date, existing studies have indicated that stigma against people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) negatively affects their psychosocial well-being, and the impact may differ by age. In the current study, we aim to assess the impact of various types of stigma on PLWHA's psychological status and concomitant substance use. We explored different types of HIV stigma with psychosocial well-being and substance use employing mixed effect models among 2,987 Chinese PLWHA. Multivariate analyses revealed that each type of HIV stigma is positively associated with psychosocial distress, but negatively related to resilience and self-esteem across all age groups of PLWHA, with enacted stigma showing the strongest impact. Stigmatized PLWHA are more likely to smoke and use drugs, especially among the < 35 and 35–49-year-old groups. Age-specific interventions should be implemented to enhance PLWHA's stigma coping skill for improving their psychological health and reducing substance use in China and worldwide.

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