Psychological and social correlates of HIV stigma among people living with HIV

Abstract HIV/AIDS remains a highly stigmatized condition jeopardizing both prevention and treatment efforts. Prior research on the psychological and social correlates of HIV stigma has produced mixed results. This study examined whether demographic factors, mental health status, perceived health, mode of HIV transmission, social support, and risky sexual behavior were associated with perceived HIV stigma. Cross-sectional data collected from the intake questionnaires of clients receiving HIV-related social services at an urban clinic in the Southeastern U.S. were analyzed using multiple linear regression analysis. Results showed that younger age, heterosexuality, psychological distress, contracting HIV from sources other than injection drug use or homosexual contact between men, and not knowing your last sexual partner’s HIV status were positively associated with perceived HIV stigma. Implications of study findings for the design of HIV stigma reduction interventions are discussed.