Understanding and Responding to HIV/AIDS Stigma and Disclosure: An International Challenge for Mental Health Nurses

Abstract

Stigma and discrimination are challenges in the care and treatment of persons with HIV infection worldwide. Fear of negative social consequences often causes persons with HIV/AIDS to keep their infection secret, resulting in negative psychological and physical outcomes and continued spread of the disease. Mental health nurses have a unique opportunity to influence the trajectory of HIV/AIDS though counseling and interventions that address HIV/AIDS stigma with clients, communities, and society. This article provides an in-depth examination of HIV/AIDS stigma and its relationship to nondisclosure as well as strategies to deal with these issues at individual and group levels.

The Influence of Psychological Predictors and Cognitive Behavioral Stress Management Intervention on Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) Adherence Among HIV-Positive Female Haitian Alcohol Users

“…Findings from the studies concluded that facilitators of adherence to HIV care also included the need for supportive family members, (Pyne et al, 2002;Sambisa et al, 2010) desiring emotional support, and instrumental support (Pyne et al, 2002). This is noteworthy, given that researchers have demonstrated that severe life stress is a predictor of early disease progression and poor health outcomes (Dilorio et al, 2009;Tyler-Viola et al, 2014;Sowell & Phillips, 2010;Katz et al, 2013;Ansari & Gaestel, 2010;Li et al, 2011;Pyne et al, 2002;Sambisa, Curtis, & Mishra, 2010).…”

“…Numerous studies have indicated that adherence to ART may be related to social support (Sowell & Phillips, 2010;Katz et al, 2013;Ansari & Gaestel, 2010). The following studies outlined below highlight some of the common findings in social support and ART adherence among women.…”

“…Similar to perceived social support and self-efficacy, a high level of belief about the effectiveness of medicine also has a significant correlation with adherence to treatment (Dilorio et al, 2009;Tyler-Viola et al, 2014;Sowell & Phillips, 2010). Studies aimed at identifying the determinants to adherence to ART among HIV patients found that predictors of high adherence were:…”

“…Other studies have found that adherence, self-efficacy, and depression symptoms predicted ART adherence Horne, Weinman, & Hankins, 1999; UNAIDS Report on Global AIDS Epidemic, 2010). People with weaker beliefs about the necessity to adhere to medication treatment and those with higher levels of concern about the medications are more likely non-adherent (Sowell & Phillips, 2010;Katz et al, 2013).…”

“…Studies have found that the fear of negative social consequences frequently causes HIV-positive individuals to keep their status secret, often resulting in negative psychological and physical outcomes and continued HIV transmission (Sowell & Phillips, 2010;Katz et al, 2014;Ansari & Gaestel, 2010;Li et al, 2011;Malow et al, 2000). Thus, stigma is a challenge when treating and caring for persons with HIV infection.…”