Older people living with human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome in Chinese rural areas: perceived stigma and associated factors

Abstract

Abstract Background Perceived stigma is a common problem among people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) (PLWHA). In recent years, the number of older adults with HIV/AIDS has rapidly increased in China. However, HIV/AIDS-related perceived stigma and associated factors in older PLWHA remain unknown. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in Yongzhou. Participants were recruited via the Hunan HIV/AIDS Registry system. All participants were ≥50 y of age at the time of their HIV diagnosis. Sowell’s HIV Stigma Scale was used to measure perceived stigma. Results A total of 193 participants were interviewed, of which 132 (68.4%) were male. The ages of the participants ranged from 50 to 82 y and the average age was 61.1±5.95 y. Eighteen (9.3%) subjects were ethnic minorities. Older PLWHA reported a relatively high level of perceived stigma, especially individuals of Han ethnicity having high annual incomes. The individuals who had disclosed their HIV-positive status to all their family had higher scores on the dimension related to blame. Regression analysis showed that ethnicity, annual income, living arrangement and disclosure patterns were the main associated factors of perceived stigma. Conclusions Perceived stigma is common in older Chinese PLWHA. Individuals of ethnic minorities or with higher economic status have higher levels of stigma. Family relationships have a deep influence on perceived stigma.