title: HIV-related stigma among an urban sample of persons living with HIV at risk for dropping out of HIV-oriented primary medical care.
abstract: HIV-related stigma is one of the greatest barriers to preventing and ending the HIV epidemic. The purpose of our study was to examine HIV-related stigma among urban adults voluntarily seeking HIV-oriented primary medical care and at risk for dropping out after enrolling. The baseline cross-sectional analysis of perceived HIV-related stigma upon enrolling in care examined the level of HIV-related stigma and its sub-domains: personalized, disclosure, negative self-image, and public attitudes. Our study also identified precursors of HIV-related stigma and associated outcomes. HIV-related stigma continues to be a significant problem for persons living with HIV; those perceiving higher levels of HIV-related stigma reported a poorer quality of life, both physically and mentally. The relationship between HIV-related stigma and mental health was closely connected in our sample.
authors.forename: Michael V
authors.initials: MV
authors.lastname: Relf
authors.forename: Kate V
authors.initials: KV
authors.lastname: Rollins
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010352:Patient Dropouts / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010465:Perception; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011788:Quality of Life; D012111:Residence Characteristics; D012649:Self Concept; D057545:Social Stigma; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013240:Stereotyping; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014505:Urban Population
keywords: HIV; HIV-related stigma; stigma