The Associations Between HIV Stigma and Mental Health Symptoms, Life Satisfaction, and Quality of Life among Black Sexual Minority Men with HIV

January 2023

HIV stigma refers to prejudice and discrimination directed at people perceived to have HIV/AIDS and communities associated with the disease. This study examines how HIV stigma influences the social and psychological well-being of Black sexual minority men living with HIV in Los Angeles County. It appeared in Quality of Life Research in January 2023.

AUTHORS

Chenglin Hong
Doctoral Candidate, UCLA
Ayako Miyashita Ochoa
Co-Director, UCLA Hub for Health Intervention, Policy & Practice
Bianca D.M. Wilson
Senior Scholar of Public Policy, Former
Elizabeth S.C. Wu
Director Research Programs, UCLA Hub for Health Intervention, Policy & Practice
Damone Thomas
Board Co-Chair, To Help Everyone (T.H.E) Health & Wellness Center
Ian W. Holloway
Professor, UCLA Luskin School of Public Health

CONTACT US ABOUT THIS STUDY

Highlights

A vast majority of participants said they were very careful about to whom they tell their HIV status.

Over half of the participants strongly agreed that most people with HIV are rejected when others find out.

Participants who experienced higher HIV stigma were more likely to experience depression, anxiety, and lower quality of life.

Data Points

82%

of participants said they are very careful who they tell that they have HIV

52%

of participants believe people with HIV are rejected when others find out

57%

of participants worried that people who know would tell others about their HIV status

48%

of participants believe that most people think a person with HIV is disgusting

46%

of participants said they had been hurt by how people reacted to learning that they had HIV

38%

of participants showed signs of depression

37%

of participants showed signs of anxiety

29%

of participants were satisfied with life

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