title: Coping strategies for HIV-related stigma in Liuzhou, China.
abstract: This study explores the feelings, experiences, and coping strategies of people living with HIV (PLHIV) in Liuzhou, China. In a southwestern Chinese city with high HIV prevalence, we conducted semi-structured in-depth interviews with 47 PLHIV selected to represent individuals who had acquired HIV via different acquisition routes. Many participants felt severely stigmatized; they commonly reported having very low self-esteem and feelings of despair. Based on style of coping and whether it occurred at the interpersonal or intrapersonal level, four types of coping that participants used to deal with HIV-associated stigma were identified: (1) Compassion (Passive/Avoidant-Interpersonal); (2) Hiding HIV status (Passive/Avoidant-Intrapersonal); (3) Social support (Active/Problem-focused-Interpersonal; and (4) Self-care (Active/Problem-focused-Intrapersonal). Educational and stigma-reduction interventions targeting potential social support networks for PLHIV (e.g., family, close friends, and peers) could strengthen active interpersonal PLHIV coping strategies. Interventions teaching self-care to PLHIV would encourage active intrapersonal coping, both of which may enhance PLHIV quality of life in Liuzhou, China.
authors: Ying-Xia
authors: YX
authors: Zhang
authors: Liuzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Project Office, Tanzhong West Road 1-1, Liuzhou, 545007, Guangxi, China, 331044210@qq.com.
authors: Zhang
authors: Z
authors: Ying-Xia
authors: Carol E
authors: CE
authors: Golin
authors: Jin
authors: J
authors: Bu
authors: Bu
authors: B
authors: Jin
authors: Catherine Boland
authors: CB
authors: Emrick
authors: Zhang
authors: Z
authors: Nan
authors: Ming-Qiang
authors: MQ
authors: Li
authors: Li
authors: L
authors: Ming-Qiang
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D002681:China; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D036301:Qualitative Research; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology; D012649:Self Concept; D057545:Social Stigma; D012944:Social Support; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013240:Stereotyping; D014505:Urban Population