title: Stigmatization among people living with HIV in Hong Kong: A qualitative study.
abstract: HIV/AIDS is one of the most stigmatized medical conditions across the world. Self-stigma is prevalent among people living with HIV (PLHIV) and a major obstacle to HIV prevention and care.
  
  
  
  This study aimed to describe the experiences of stigmatization and explore the possible factors that might be associated with stigmatization among PLHIV in Hong Kong.
  
  
  
  Qualitative in-depth interviews were conducted.
  
  
  
  15 PLHIV were recruited from two local non-governmental organizations on HIV prevention.
  
  
  
  Participants were interviewed about their views and feelings towards oneself as a PLHIV and contributing factors, experiences of discriminations, stigmatizing behaviours, issues about disclosure, social relationships and potential impact of HIV.
  
  
  
  Thematic analyses revealed three levels of factors which might be associated with stigmatization: (i) intrapersonal level (misconceptions about HIV, attribution of self-responsibility, severe state of illness, side-effects of medication), (ii) interpersonal level (discrimination, social rejection) and (iii) social level (mass media, public stereotypes). Findings provide important insights into which interventions to reduce stigmatization of PLHIV could be designed.
authors.affiliation: School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
authors.forename: Phoenix K H
authors.initials: PKH
authors.lastname: Mo
authors.affiliation: School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
authors.forename: Charlson T Y
authors.initials: CTY
authors.lastname: Ng
mesh_terms: D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology; D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D044966:Anti-Retroviral Agents / Q000009:adverse effects; D030881:Disclosure; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology*; D006723:Hong Kong; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D008402:Mass Media; D008875:Middle Aged; D011287:Prejudice; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D057545:Social Stigma; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013239:Stereotyped Behavior; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D044966:Anti-Retroviral Agents
keywords: Hong Kong; people living with HIV; qualitative; stigma