Trends in HIV Stigma Experienced by People Living with HIV in the Netherlands: A Comparison of Cross‐Sectional Surveys Over Time

Abstract

We investigated whether HIV stigma in the Netherlands has changed in recent years. We compared data on stigma settings and manifestations from 2007 (n = 667) and, specifically for the health care sector, 2009 (n = 262), to data acquired in 2019 and 2020 (n = 258). Results showed reductions in stigma from friends, family, acquaintances, at work, in the financial services sector, and in media. However, stigmatizing messages in media remained highly prevalent. Stigma in the LGBTQI+ community, with sexual partners, and while partying remained prevalent and, disconcertingly, relatively unchanged. Stigma in healthcare increased for a number of stigma manifestations, including physical distance, excessive preventive measures, awkward social interactions, avoidance, and unnecessary referrals. As expected, HIV stigma was positively related to psychological distress, and negatively related to social support and medication adherence. Further, most participants were familiar with U=U and PrEP, but 13.3% questioned the accuracy of U=U.

Unmasking Individual and Institutional HIV Stigma in Hospitals: Perspectives of Dutch Healthcare Providers

“…A recent large international study spanning 25 countries found that 13.0% of people with HIV have recently experienced stigma and discrimination from their healthcare providers associated with their HIV status [14]. This experienced stigma increased considerably when seeking care for non-HIV-related health problems [15,16]. Stigma and discrimination mostly manifested as verbal abuse, gossip, denial of services, and disclosing a patients' HIV status without consent [14,15].…”

“…This experienced stigma increased considerably when seeking care for non-HIV-related health problems [15,16]. Stigma and discrimination mostly manifested as verbal abuse, gossip, denial of services, and disclosing a patients' HIV status without consent [14,15]. A recent Dutch study on the perspectives of people with HIV showed an increase in HIV stigma in Dutch healthcare settings over the past decade [15].…”

“…Stigma and discrimination mostly manifested as verbal abuse, gossip, denial of services, and disclosing a patients' HIV status without consent [14,15]. A recent Dutch study on the perspectives of people with HIV showed an increase in HIV stigma in Dutch healthcare settings over the past decade [15]. However, quantitative data on HIV stigma among healthcare providers working in hospitals where people with HIV usually receive their care in high-income countries are nearly absent [17][18][19][20].…”