title: Understanding and responding to HIV/AIDS stigma and disclosure: an international challenge for mental health nurses.
abstract: Stigma and discrimination are challenges in the care and treatment of persons with HIV infection worldwide. Fear of negative social consequences often causes persons with HIV/AIDS to keep their infection secret, resulting in negative psychological and physical outcomes and continued spread of the disease. Mental health nurses have a unique opportunity to influence the trajectory of HIV/AIDS though counseling and interventions that address HIV/AIDS stigma with clients, communities, and society. This article provides an in-depth examination of HIV/AIDS stigma and its relationship to nondisclosure as well as strategies to deal with these issues at individual and group levels.
authors.affiliation: WellStar College of Health and Human Services, Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, Georgia 30144, USA. rsowell@kennesaw.edu
authors.forename: Richard L
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: Sowell
authors.forename: Kenneth D
authors.initials: KD
authors.lastname: Phillips
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D002648:Child; D003376:Counseling; D005239:Fear; D005260:Female; D014943:Global Health; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology; D006266:Health Education; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D024802:Nurse's Role; D011287:Prejudice; D011568:Psychiatric Nursing / Q000458:organization & administration*; D012650:Self Disclosure; D012934:Social Isolation; D012945:Social Values; D013240:Stereotyping