HIV-related stigma, isolation, discrimination, and serostatus disclosure: a global survey of 2035 HIV-infected adults.

BACKGROUND: Little is known globally about the perspectives of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) on perceived HIV-related stigma and its consequences. METHODS: Cross-sectional study (January-March 2010) of perceived HIV-related stigma among PLWHA (N = 2035) using a standardized questionnaire. FINDINGS: Thirty-seven percent of respondents reported loneliness as a result of their HIV status. Depression was reported by 27%. While 96% reported disclosing their HIV status to at least 1 person, 17% of patients who reported being in a long-term sexual relationship had not disclosed their status to their partner. Variables associated with perceived stigma were living in Asia-Pacific versus other regions (odds ratio [OR]: 2.77; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.96-3.92); having experienced body/face changes; reported depression (OR: 1.25; 95% CI 1.11-1.38); and nondisclosure of HIV status (OR: 1.75; 95% CI 1.28-2.41). CONCLUSION: Thirty years into the HIV pandemic, perceived HIV stigma, isolation, and discrimination persist and are associated with loneliness and depression among PLWHA.

Duke Scholars

Author Christopher Charles Beyrer Medicine, Infectious Diseases