Prevalence of Internalized HIV-Related Stigma Among HIV-Infected Adults in Care, United States, 2011-2013.
HIV-infected U.S. adults have reported internalized HIV-related stigma; however, the national prevalence of stigma is unknown. We sought to determine HIV-related stigma prevalence among adults in care, describe which socio-demographic groups bear the greatest stigma burden, and assess the association between stigma and sustained HIV viral suppression. The Medical Monitoring Project measures characteristics of U.S. HIV-infected adults receiving care using a national probability sample. We used weighted data collected from June 2011 to May 2014 and assessed self-reported internalized stigma based on agreement with six statements. Overall, 79.1% endorsed ≥1 HIV-related stigma statements (n = 13,841). The average stigma score was 2.4 (out of a possible high score of six). White males had the lowest stigma scores while Hispanic/Latina females and transgender persons who were multiracial or other race had the highest. Although stigma was associated with viral suppression, it was no longer associated after adjusting for age. Stigma was common among HIV-infected adults in care. Results suggest individual and community stigma interventions may be needed, particularly among those who are <50 years old or Hispanic/Latino. Stigma was not independently associated with viral suppression; however, this sample was limited to adults in care. Examining HIV-infected persons not in care may elucidate stigma's association with viral suppression.
['Baugher|Amy R|AR|', 'Beer|Linda|L|', 'Fagan|Jennifer L|JL|', 'Mattson|Christine L|CL|', 'Freedman|Mark|M|', 'Skarbinski|Jacek|J|', 'Shouse|R Luke|RL|', '|||']
D000328:Adult D001741:African Americans D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies D005260:Female D015658:HIV Infections D015497:HIV-1 D006630:Hispanic or Latino D006801:Humans D007389:Internal-External Control D008297:Male D008875:Middle Aged D011159:Population Surveillance D015995:Prevalence D044469:Racial Groups D057566:Self Report D017678:Sex Distribution D057545:Social Stigma D014481:United States D044465:Whites D055815:Young Adult
Stigma United States HIV Viral suppression Age