title: Stigma in the HIV/AIDS epidemic: a review of the literature and recommendations for the way forward.
abstract: Although stigma is considered a major barrier to effective responses to the HIV/AIDS epidemic, stigma reduction efforts are relegated to the bottom of AIDS programme priorities. The complexity of HIV/AIDS-related stigma is often cited as a primary reason for the limited response to this pervasive phenomenon. In this paper, we systematically review the scientific literature on HIV/AIDS-related stigma to document the current state of research, identify gaps in the available evidence and highlight promising strategies to address stigma. We focus on the following key challenges: defining, measuring and reducing HIV/AIDS-related stigma as well as assessing the impact of stigma on the effectiveness of HIV prevention and treatment programmes. Based on the literature, we conclude by offering a set of recommendations that may represent important next steps in a multifaceted response to stigma in the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
authors.affiliation: UCLA Program in Global Health, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90024, USA. AnishMahajan@mednet.ucla.edu
authors.forename: Anish P
authors.initials: AP
authors.lastname: Mahajan
authors.forename: Jennifer N
authors.initials: JN
authors.lastname: Sayles
authors.forename: Vishal A
authors.initials: VA
authors.lastname: Patel
authors.forename: Robert H
authors.initials: RH
authors.lastname: Remien
authors.forename: Sharif R
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Sawires
authors.forename: Daniel J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Ortiz
authors.forename: Greg
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Szekeres
authors.forename: Thomas J
authors.initials: TJ
authors.lastname: Coates
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000635:transmission; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D011247:Pregnancy; D011287:Prejudice; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012918:Social Alienation; D013240:Stereotyping