Objective
To investigate the level and influencing factors of perceived HIV stigma and discrimination among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA).
Methods
By using convenience sampling method, 123 patients were recruited from the department of infectious diseases in a tertiary hospital in Chengdu from April to May in 2017. Berger HIV stigma scale was used to measure the level of perceived HIV stigma.
Results
The mean score of Berger HIV stigma scale was 113.72±17.890, which revealed a middle to upper level. Among the four subscales, the score of disclosure concerns (3.07±0.462) was the highest, while the score of negative self-image (2.70±0.494) was the lowest. Multiple regression analysis showed that gender and self-perceived health status were the influencing factors of perceived HIV stigma.
Conclusions
The level of perceived HIV stigma among PLWHA is from middle to upper level. Female gender and poor self-perceived health status are associated with a higher level of perceived HIV stigma. Individualized interventions are required in order to reduce the level of HIV stigma.
