Reported HIV-related stigma according to race and ethnicity

ABSTRACT

People living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) have long experienced structural, community, and personal stigma. We explored differences in experienced HIV-related stigma according to race/ethnicity using quantitative and qualitative measures. Sixty-four patients were enrolled in this study (22 White and 42 people of color [POC]). POC scored higher than White PLWHA on all 12 survey statements, with statistically significant differences in disclosure concerns and with one of the statements on public attitudes towards PLWHA. Common themes in the qualitative interview were HIV disclosure concerns and fear of rejection. These data demonstrate that stigma continues to be a significant concern for PLWHA, particularly POC, meaningfully impacting their lives. By acknowledging and working to reduce negative perceptions about PLWHA, physicians may improve care for their patients by developing more trusting relationships.

KEYWORDS:

• HIV
• stigma
• race/ethnicity
• disclosure

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data availability statement

All data support the published claims, comply with field standards and are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.

Additional information

Funding

C.J. received funding from the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences of the National Institutes of Health (5UL1TR002389-05).