HIV stigma among substance abusing people living with HIV/AIDS: implications for HIV treatment

AIDS Patient Care STDS. 2014 Aug;28(8):442-51. doi: 10.1089/apc.2014.0076. Epub 2014 Jul 1.

Abstract

HIV-related stigma has a major impact on quality of life and health among people living with HIV and AIDS (PLWHA). This study examines demographic, mental health, behavioral, contextual, and HIV care-related correlates of HIV stigma among 503 substance abusing PLWHA. Stigma was measured with the HIV Internalized Stigma Measure which has four subscales: stereotypes about HIV, self-acceptance, disclosure concerns, and social relationships. Severe substance dependence (55.3%) and depression (54.7%) were associated with higher HIV stigma across all domains. 49.9% of the sample reported antiretroviral (ARV) medication diversion (the unlawful sale and trading of ARV medications); diverters endorsed significantly higher stigma related to disclosure. 54.1% of the sample reported ≥95% ARV adherence; these individuals reported significantly lower stigma for self-acceptance, disclosure, and social relationships. Multivariate linear regression showed that depression and social support demonstrated significant main effects across stigma domains. Findings suggest that interventions to decrease HIV related stigma may be an important component of initiatives to increase engagement in HIV care.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Anti-Retroviral Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Depressive Disorder / epidemiology
  • Depressive Disorder / etiology
  • Female
  • Florida / epidemiology
  • HIV Infections / complications
  • HIV Infections / drug therapy*
  • HIV Infections / psychology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Medication Adherence / psychology*
  • Medication Adherence / statistics & numerical data
  • Middle Aged
  • Multivariate Analysis
  • Quality of Life / psychology
  • Regression Analysis
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Social Stigma*
  • Social Support
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • Stereotyping
  • Substance-Related Disorders / epidemiology
  • Substance-Related Disorders / psychology*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires

Substances

  • Anti-Retroviral Agents