Exploring HIV stigma and quality of life for persons living with HIV infection

J Assoc Nurses AIDS Care. 2009 May-Jun;20(3):161-8. doi: 10.1016/j.jana.2009.02.002.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the potential contribution of perceived HIV stigma to quality of life for people living with HIV infection. A cross-sectional design explored the contribution of demographic variables, symptoms, and stigma to quality of life in an international sample of 726 people living with HIV infection. Stigma independently contributed a significant 5.3% of the explained variance in quality of life, after removing contributions of HIV-related symptoms and severity of illness. This study empirically documents that perceived HIV stigma had a significantly negative impact upon quality of life for a broad sample of people living with HIV infection.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Demography
  • Female
  • HIV Infections / psychology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Quality of Life*
  • Stereotyping*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires