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

PLoS One. 2012;7(12):e48168. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0048168. Epub 2012 Dec 27.

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.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cohort Studies
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Gender Identity*
  • HIV / physiology*
  • HIV Infections / ethnology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Ontario
  • Prospective Studies
  • Risk Factors
  • Social Stigma*
  • Socioeconomic Factors

Grants and funding

Funding was provided by AIDS Bureau – Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, http://www.health.gov.on.ca/english/public/program/hivaids/aids_mn.html. The funder had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.