Internalized AIDS-Related Stigma Experiences in West of Iran

Internalized stigma (IS) is defined as negative stereotypes people hold about themselves and have accepted them. The purpose of this study was to determine IS among HIV/AIDS patients in Kermanshah, Iran.

This cross-sectional research was conducted on 200 HIV/AIDS patients in the Behavioral Diseases Counseling Center of Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran, in 2021. The required data were collected using a questionnaire and holding an interview. The gathered data were analyzed in SPSS-16 software using one-way analysis of variance, independent samples t-test, and bivariate correlation tests.

The average overall score of IS was obtained at 5.65 (score range: 0 to 6). The mean internalized stigma score was slightly higher among male patients, single individuals, those with primary education, unemployed patients, and those with poor economic status; however, it was not statistically significant.

It can be concluded that IS highly prevalent among HIV/AIDS patients in Kermanshah. Comprehensive interventions among patients are needed to reduce stigma.