Protective and risk factors associated with stigma in a population of older adults living with HIV in Ontario, Canada

Abstract

Although the deleterious effects of HIV stigma are well documented, less is known about how various types of stigma impact older adults living with HIV disease and what factors exacerbate or lessen the effects of HIV stigma. Using cross-sectional data from the OHTN cohort study (OCS), we undertook multiple linear regression to determine the predictors of overall HIV stigma, and enacted, anticipated, and internalized stigma subscales in a sample of OCS participants age 50 and over (n=378). Being female, heterosexual, engaging in maladaptive coping, and having poor self-rated health were associated with greater overall stigma while being older, having greater mastery, increased emotional-informational social support, and a longer time since HIV diagnosis were associated with lower levels of stigma. The final model accounted for 31% of the variance in overall stigma. Differences in these findings by subscale and implications for practice are discussed.

Keywords:

• stigma
• HIV/AIDS
• older adults
• aging
• Canada

Acknowledgements

Funding for this study was provided by Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada (DFAIT) through the Canadian Embassy in Washington, DC (Emlet, PI) and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada Institutional Grant Program (Brennan, PI). Dr Brennan's work is supported by an Ontario HIV Treatment Network Scholarship Award. Dr Hart's work is supported by an Ontario HIV Treatment Network Career Scientist Award. The authors would like to acknowledge other members of the Positive Aging working group who offered guidance and feedback on this study: Dr Trevor A. Hart, Dr Francisco Ibanez-Carrasco, Dr Sean B. Rourke, and Ms. Stephanie Karapita. We would also like to acknowledge the Ontario HIV Treatment Network Cohort research team and study staff. The OCS is funded by AIDS Bureau, Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care. Finally, we would like to thank the participants who have given their time and effort to assist us to better understand the needs of those living with HIV.