HIV-Related Knowledge and Stigma Among the General Population in the Southeast of Iran

Abstract

<jats:p>Background: HIV-related stigma is a barrier to effective HIV responses among people living with HIV (PLHIV). Objectives: The current study aimed at measuring HIV-related stigma, and its associated factors among the general population in the Southeast of Iran. Methods: The current cross-sectional study was conducted on a convenience sample of 900 individuals in Kerman, Southeast of Iran, from July to September 2016. Data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire, including (I) demographic and background characteristics; (II) HIV-related stigma; and (III) HIV-related knowledge. Data were analyzed with SPSS version 20 using descriptive statistics, as well as bivariable and multivariable linear regressions. Results: Low, moderate, and high levels of stigmatizing attitudes toward PLHIV were reported by 39.1%, 57.8%, and 3.1% of the participants, respectively. Female sex(beta = 0.33, P value = 0.01) and those not having a history of HIV testing (beta = 0.45, P value &lt; 0.001) had, on average, higher levels of stigmatizing attitudes, while those with a higher level of education (beta = -0.97, P value &lt; 0.001) had, on average, lower levels of stigmatizing attitudes. Conclusions: Gender-sensitive educational interventions need to be developed to reduce the negative attitude towards PLHIV in Iran.</jats:p>

WITHDRAWN: Predictors of Discrimination Towards People Living With HIV/ AIDS Among People Aged 15–49 Years in Ethiopia: A Multilevel Analysis

“…Stigma and discrimination greatly affects the quality of life of PLWH, their family members and the healthcare providers who work with them (8,10,(23)(24)(25)(26)(27). People who experienced stigma face loss of income or job, isolation from communities, and inability to participate as a productive member of society (28).…”

“…People who experienced stigma face loss of income or job, isolation from communities, and inability to participate as a productive member of society (28). Stigma is a barrier of good ART adherence which accelerates disease progression (23,(29)(30)(31)(32). It increases the risk of mental health problems (33)(34)(35).…”

Predictors of Discrimination Towards People Living with HIV/AIDS Among People Aged 15–49 Years in Ethiopia: A Multilevel Analysis

“…14,15,[17][18][19][20][21][22] Discrimination greatly affects the quality of life of PLWHA, their family members, and the healthcare providers who work with them. 8,10,[23][24][25][26][27] People who experienced discrimination face loss of income or job, isolation from communities, and inability to participate as a productive member of society. 28 Moreover, it is a barrier for ART adherence which accelerates disease progression.…”

Development and Validation of HIV/AIDS Stigma and Discrimination Scale in Southeast Iran: The General Population Viewpoint

“…In addition, the amount of HIV/AIDS- related stigma and discrimination in this project has been reported elsewhere. 9 The future study is suggested to assess the validity and reliability of the scale in different samples. Research is also required to develop and validate stigmatizing and discriminatory attitudes of community toward family with a positive HIV-member.…”

“…With the onset of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, fear, stigma and discrimination were also identified as important barriers to an effective response to HIV. 7 The Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) 8 defines HIV-related stigma as “a process of devaluation of people living with or associating with HIV and AIDS.” 9 There are 2 types of stigmas: internal stigma refers to the shame and expectation of discrimination that prevents people from talking about their experiences and stops them seeking help. External stigma refers to the experience of unfair treatment by others.…”