HIV-related stigma: effects on health outcomes and directions for stigma-focused interventions

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.32552/2025.ActaMedica.1110

Keywords:

HIV-related stigma, mental health, physical health, stigma-informed interventions

Abstract

HIV-related stigma is a widespread experience among HIV-affected individuals that may have an impact on the well-being of both people living with HIV (PLWH) and associated individuals. This review examines the multifaceted nature of HIV-related stigma by summarizing its dimensions. Furthermore, it discusses how different dimensions of HIV-related stigma and intersectional stigma due to co-existing stigmatized conditions can lead to differential effects on the mental and physical health outcomes of PLWH. The scope of this review consists of the associations between HIV-related stigma and mental health challenges of depression and anxiety, as well as substance use, with a focus on the cognitive behavioral underpinnings, social isolation, and health behaviors of PLWH. On the other hand, the interplays between HIV-related stigma and immunological parameters, such as CD4 counts and viral loads, were discussed, which may have an effect through behavioral and non-behavioral pathways. This review also discusses possible stigma-informed policies and interventions with a multi-level approach. Specifically, it suggests that the focus of structural-level interventions can constitute policy regulations to ensure reducing HIV-related stigma and stereotype threats in organizational and legal settings. Stigma-informed intrapersonal interventions may focus on providing strategies that can target the cognitive and behavioral experiences of HIV-affected individuals through individual or group therapies. Lastly, interventions that focus on interpersonal and intergroup experiences can underline improving the quality of the contact and relationship between PLWH and HIV-negative individuals to challenge HIV-related stigma and improve the well-being of both populations.

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Published

2025-03-18

How to Cite

1.
Akınkoç İ, Gökengin D, Turan B. HIV-related stigma: effects on health outcomes and directions for stigma-focused interventions. Acta Medica [Internet]. 2025 Mar. 18 [cited 2025 Apr. 1];56(1):1-10. Available from: https://actamedica.org/index.php/actamedica/article/view/1110

Issue

Section

Review