Older African Americans’ management of HIV/AIDS stigma

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to describe HIV/AIDS-related stigma in older African Americans living in the South, a population disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS. Four focus groups were conducted with 24 men and women over 50 years old and a confirmed diagnosis of HIV. The focus group discussions were audiotaped and transcribed for analysis. Additionally, two stigma instruments, Self-Perceptions of HIV Stigma, and Stigma Impact of HIV, were used to enhance the qualitative data from the focus groups. Constant comparative data analysis of the focus group discussions resulted in four themes related to HIV/AIDS stigma: (1) disclosure; (2) stigma experiences; (3) need for HIV/AIDS education; and (4) acceptance of the disease. Strategies to prevent or decrease anticipated stigma were described, such as selective or non-disclosure and not receiving care where they lived. The stigma instruments indicated that the participants had experienced the most stigma related to their internalized shame about having HIV disease, and had experienced little or no direct stigma. The study findings have implications for designing prevention programs, and strategies to improve social support for this age group.

Telemedicine for Depression in Older People Living with HIV

“…Additionally, older PLWH are more likely to experience social isolation, depressive symptoms [12], and HIV-related stigma, which may be associated with internalized shame and blame and reduced quality of life [13][14][15]. Similar results were found when comparing HIV-positive and HIVnegative older people-older PLWH reported less happiness, less resilience, lower physical and mental health, and poorer attitudes towards aging, as well as more negative life-events, anxiety, and perceived stress [16].…”

Reasons for HIV Disclosure and Non-Disclosure: An Exploratory Study of Rural African American Men

“…The fear of negative reactions from others related mostly to the possibility of relational rejection and being stigmatized by others. As in another study (Foster & Gaskins, 2009), the men's worries about stigma were more from perceived or felt stigma than from actual or enacted stigma that they had experienced. HIV/AIDS stigma was recognized early in the epidemic and has been identified as a barrier to prevention and treatment efforts (Herek, 1999).…”

The impact of HIV-related stigma on older and younger adults living with HIV disease: does age matter?

“…Given that older PLHIV experience loneliness and isolation (Foster & Gaskins, 2009), the needs for social supports are important considerations in managing HIV stigma. One possible explanation for lower stigma levels among gay men compared to heterosexual and bisexual individuals is that over time, gay men may have developed "crisis competence," buffering against subsequent negative experiences (Kimmel, 1978).…”

“…HIV stigma has been documented in older populations (Emlet, 2006(Emlet, , 2007Foster & Gaskins, 2009;Haile, Padilla, & Parker, 2011) and has been associated with depression, anxiety, poorer health-related quality of life, lack of disclosure, and loneliness (Emlet et al, 2013;Grov, Golub, Parsons, Brennan, & Karpiak, 2010;Haile et al, 2011). Social supports and adaptive coping are associated with lessened HIV-related stigma among older adults (Emlet et al, 2013).…”