Gender and ethnicity differences in HIV-related stigma experienced by people living with HIV in Ontario, Canada.

Mona R Loutfy,Sergio Rueda,Sandra L Blitz,Shari L Margolese,Wangari E Tharao,Carmen H Logie,Sean B Rourke,Yimeng Zhang,Janet M Raboud,Mark Wainberg

doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0048168

Abstract

This study aimed to understand gender and ethnicity differences in HIV-related stigma experienced by 1026 HIV-positive individuals living in Ontario, Canada that were enrolled in the OHTN Cohort Study. Total and subscale HIV-related stigma scores were measured using the revised HIV-related Stigma Scale. Correlates of total stigma scores were assessed in univariate and multivariate linear regression. Women had significantly higher total and subscale stigma scores than men (total, median = 56.0 vs. 48.0, p<0.0001). Among men and women, Black individuals had the highest, Aboriginal and Asian/Latin-American/Unspecified people intermediate, and White individuals the lowest total stigma scores. The gender-ethnicity interaction term was significant in multivariate analysis: Black women and Asian/Latin-American/Unspecified men reported the highest HIV-related stigma scores. Gender and ethnicity differences in HIV-related stigma were identified in our cohort. Findings suggest differing approaches may be required to address HIV-related stigma based on gender and ethnicity; and such strategies should challenge racist and sexist stereotypes.

Highlights

HIV-related stigma remains one of the greatest barriers to the health and well being of people living with HIV (PLHIV) [1,2]
HIV-related stigma may lead to sub-standard treatment and can present a barrier for PLHIV accessing and retaining health care services and social supports [19,20,21]
We found that female gender and non-White ethnicity were associated with higher total and subscale HIVrelated stigma scores

Summary

Introduction

HIV-related stigma remains one of the greatest barriers to the health and well being of people living with HIV (PLHIV) [1,2]. HIV-related stigma refers to the devaluing of HIV-positive people, and may result in discrimination based on actual or perceived HIV-positive serostatus [2]. HIV-related stigma may exacerbate pre-existing social inequities based on race, class, gender, and sexual orientation [3,4]. It is important to understand the interactions of HIV-related stigma with race and gender as HIV infections are rising among women globally and there is an overrepresentation of new HIV infections among Black and Aboriginal people in Canada [5,6]. HIV-related stigma may compromise treatment, care and support for PLHIV. HIV-related stigma may lead to sub-standard treatment and can present a barrier for PLHIV accessing and retaining health care services and social supports [19,20,21]. Reducing HIVrelated stigma is key to promoting the health of PLHIV

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Results

Discussion

Conclusion