Identifying self-perceived HIV-related stigma in a population accessing antiretroviral therapy.
This study identifies factors associated with self-perceived HIV-related stigma (stigma) among a cohort of individuals accessing antiretroviral therapy in British Columbia, Canada. Data were drawn from the Longitudinal Investigations into Supportive and Ancillary Health Services study, which collects social, clinical, and quality of life (QoL) information through an interviewer-administered survey. Clinical variables (i.e., CD4 count) were obtained through linkages with the British Columbia HIV/AIDS Drug Treatment Program. Multivariable linear regression was performed to determine the independent predictors of stigma. Our results indicate that among participants with high school education or greater the outcome stigma was associated with a 3.05 stigma unit decrease (95% CI: -5.16, -0.93). Having higher relative standard of living and perceiving greater neighborhood cohesion were also associated with a decrease in stigma (-5.30 95% CI: -8.16, -2.44; -0.80 95% CI: -1.39, -0.21, respectively). Lower levels of stigma were found to be associated with better QoL measures, including perceiving better overall function (-0.90 95% CI: -1.47, -0.34), having fewer health worries (-2.11 95% CI: -2.65, -1.57), having fewer financial worries (-0.67 95% CI: -1.12, -0.23), and having less HIV disclosure concerns (-4.12 95% CI: -4.63, -3.62). The results of this study show that participants with higher education level, better QoL measures, and higher self-reported standards of living are less likely to perceive HIV-related stigma.
British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
Despina
D
Tzemis
Jamie I
JI
Forrest
Cathy M
CM
Puskas
Wendy
W
Zhang
Treena R
TR
Orchard
Alexis K
AK
Palmer
Colin W
CW
McInnes
Kimberly A
KA
Fernades
Julio S G
JS
Montaner
Robert S
RS
Hogg
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D019380:Anti-HIV Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001955:British Columbia; D018791:CD4 Lymphocyte Count; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology*; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010465:Perception; D011159:Population Surveillance; D011788:Quality of Life; D020377:Self Efficacy; D057545:Social Stigma; D013240:Stereotyping; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult
D019380:Anti-HIV Agents