For the patient. Reducing stigma for better health outcomes among Hispanics with HIV/AIDS.

HIV/AIDS is an important public health problem in the United States. Although HIV rates decreased since the early years of the epidemic, the spread of HIV continues to increase among ethnic minority groups. People living with HIV and AIDS face many challenges resulting from how others understand the disease. Lack of knowledge, fear, and many other factors create a social stigma, which can be harmful to those living with this disease. For example, those who report feeling disgraced by the disease may experience poor quality of life, may be more likely to have risky behaviors, and less likely to take HIV medications. Today, more and more attention is being paid to the effects HIV-related stigma has on those who experience it. Social stigma has been linked to poorer physical health, weaker social relationships, and worse psychological functioning. Ethnic minority groups may be especially at risk for the negative impact of this stigma. Hispanics report higher levels of HIV-related stigma, even when compared to other ethnic groups. Due to the 33% increase in HIV infection among Hispanics between 2001 and 2004, it is important to focus our attention on this population when examining factors such as stigma that may contribute to HIV risks and outcomes. Our study explored the effects of stigma on low-income Hispanics living with HIV in San Diego, California. We examined the relationship between stigma and quality of life; stigma and social support; and stigma and health outcomes in 160 study participants. Results showed that participants reporting higher levels of stigma had significantly lower levels of psychological and physical functioning, lower social support, and greater interference with their daily activities. These findings highlight the need for additional research to understand the types of stigma faced by Hispanics and to address how to effectively help those with stigma experiences. Increasing public awareness around the HIV epidemic in ethnic minority groups and the impact that stigma can have may lead to better health outcomes and better quality of life for Hispanics living with HIV/AIDS. Proper identification of HIV-related stigma could lead to the creation of programs that address these mistaken beliefs and could positively affect treatment and prevention efforts for Hispanics and all people living with HIV in the United States.