HIV-related stigma as perceived by HIV-positive individuals in Singapore

Introduction: This analysis of data from a historical cohort of newly-diagnosed HIV patients aimed to quantify illness-related stigma, using the HIV Stigma Scale. At present, there is no quantitative data on HIV-related stigma in the HIV population in Singapore. In order to facilitate future monitoring and evaluation of stigma in the local HIV population, it is important to describe the patterns of, and identify factors associated with HIV-related stigma.

Material and methods: The study utilized retrospective data that was collected from August 2010 to May 2013 at the Communicable Disease Centre (CDC) at Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore. Responses to statements of the HIV Stigma Scale from 497 HIV-positive outpatients were analyzed.

Results: Results of analyses indicated that stigma scores did not differ significantly across gender or employment status. However, total stigma scores and stigma scores across the domains of personalized stigma, negative self-image, and public attitudes toward people living with HIV/AIDS, showed significant variation across race. Additionally, singles reported significantly more disclosure stigma than married individuals. In terms of sexual orientation and educational level, personalized stigma and disclosure stigma scores showed significant variations across the groups. In addition, increased age was significantly related to an increase in all stigma scores, except for disclosure stigma, which showed a significant corresponding decrease with the increase in age.

Conclusions: Findings of this study indicate the pervasive nature of HIV-related stigma and highlight certain groups in the population that could benefit more from future implementation of interventions.