Who is at risk for HIV:
Anyone engaging in sexual activity without condoms
Anyone having sexual encounters with multiple partners
Men who have sex with men
Anyone with STDs/STIs
IV Drug users—especially those sharing injection equipment with anyone of unknown HIV status.
Who is at risk for HIV Stigma?
Anyone who is HIV Positive
What HIV IS and IS NOT:
HIV IS a virus—HIV IS often misunderstood. Once diagnosed, HIV IS easily managed with proper medical care
HIV is NOT a Plague—HIV is NOT an airborne disease. HIV is NOT punishment for a particular lifestyle
What is HIV Stigma?
HIV stigma is negative attitudes, behaviors, beliefs, and judgments toward people living with HIV. It is the prejudice that comes with labeling an individual as part of a group that is believed to be socially unacceptable.
What are the effects of HIV stigma and discrimination?
HIV stigma and discrimination affect the emotional well-being and mental health of people with HIV. These individuals often internalize the stigma they experience and develop a negative self-image. Often, they feel ashamed and at times even worthless. They may fear discrimination if their HIV status is revealed. These feelings can keep people from getting tested and seeking treatment for HIV.
When Did HIV Stigma Begin?
Even though it is 2023, many current ideas about HIV (and individuals living with HIV) come from outdated images that first appeared in the early 1980s.
Where Does HIV Stigma Exist?
The simple answer is –worldwide! In 2022, A World AIDS Day survey showed that 74% of people around the world living with HIV have experienced stigma or discrimination due to their status.
Why is HIV so Stigmatized?
The lack of information and awareness combined with outdated information makes people fear getting HIV. Thus, they fear those living with the virus. Additionally, many still think of HIV as a disease that only certain groups get. This leads to negative value judgments about people who are living with HIV.
Living with HIV presents challenges, no matter what your age. However, older people with HIV may face different issues than their younger counterparts, including social isolation and loneliness. Stigma negatively affects people’s quality of life, self-image, and behaviors and may prevent them from disclosing their HIV status. This may also prevent older individuals from seeking the health care or social services that many aging adults living with HIV require.
How can we reduce HIV Stigma?
Educate ourselves! Refer to only educational, fact-filled websites, etc. HIV.gov has a wealth of information along with cdc.gov, which provides facts about HIV Prevention, Testing, and Treatment, and also includes an HIV Stigma Fact Sheet. Let’s Stop HIV Together is another great resource that shares factual information. Once you learn the facts about HIV, please talk openly about HIV. This helps normalize the subject and provides opportunities to correct misconceptions those around you may have.
If you have any questions about HIV, Free HIV Testing, HIV Stigma, etc., please contact our HIV Prevention Specialist/Case Manager, Janet Miller @ 816-901-1034.