Affected by HIV Stigma: Interpreting Results from a Population Survey of an Urban Center in Guangxi, China

Abstract

We aimed to identify factors related to HIV stigma in Liuzhou, Guangxi province, a city in southwest China with high HIV prevalence. We used a multi-stage cluster randomized sample of the general population to survey 852 adults. We conducted ordinal logistic regression analyses to test factors associated with punishment and isolation stigma. Eighteen percent of respondents agreed that people with HIV should be punished, and 40% agreed that people with HIV should be quarantined. Punishment stigma was associated with age, having three or more sexual partners, and TV watching. Isolation stigma was associated with age, urban residence and a history of STI. HIV transmission knowledge was low, and having correct knowledge attenuated the association with punishment and isolation stigma. Despite programs in China to provide care and treatment for PLHIV, HIV stigma is common in this region. Targeted interventions need to focus on fears related to HIV and PLHIV.

Coping Strategies for HIV-Related Stigma in Liuzhou, China

“…Individuals were concerned not only of the effects of such stigma and discrimination on themselves, but also on their family members. These reported experiences and fears of HIV-associated stigma are consistent with several previous studies of HIV in China (1,14,15,25), including two in this issue (2,3). Similar to data reported in other recent research about PLHIV in China (1,2,4,14,15,22–25,44–46), participants in this study described experiencing serious stigma from a broad range of sources: family, neighbors, health professionals, including doctors, and other people in the community.…”

“…PLHIV perceived that the stigma they experienced was compounded by stigma associated with HIV-acquisition behaviors, such as intravenous drug use and sex work. Abler and colleagues documented the high level of stigma that exists in the general public in Liuzhou toward PLHIV (3). In Hua and colleagues’ study of 27 PLHIV in Liuzhou, the vast majority of participants were highly isolated, rejected, unemployed, and impoverished as a result of their disclosure of their diagnosis (2).…”

“…As the HIV prevalence in China has grown, however, increasing attention is also being paid to the experiences of people living with HIV (PLHIV) in China, such as HIV-associated stigma (2,3). Such stigma not only interferes with HIV prevention efforts, like voluntary counseling and testing, needle exchange, and condom promotion programs, but also can reduce the abilities of PLHIV to access treatment and care (4–11).…”

The mediating role of individual resilience resources in stigma–health relationship among people living with HIV in Guangxi, China

“…In China, HIV stigma can be manifested in the society (Abler et al, 2014). A recent study reported that about 40% of respondents from general population in the society agreed that PLHIV should be isolated and 18% of them agreed that PLHIV should be punished (Abler et al, 2014).…”

“…A recent study reported that about 40% of respondents from general population in the society agreed that PLHIV should be isolated and 18% of them agreed that PLHIV should be punished (Abler et al, 2014). The majority of Chinese PLHIV feel stigmatized (Zhang et al, 2014).…”