A Qualitative Descriptive Study of the Drivers, Perpetuators, and Impacts of Stigma Among Youth Living with HIV in Lima, Peru

Dados Bibliográficos

ID21651409
AutoresMichael J Curtis (0009-0005-2794-5527, Harvard University), Alyson Nunez (0009-0005-6489-5936, Harvard University), Milagros Wong (0000-0003-3373-8899, EsSALUD), Tiffany Chenneville (0000-0001-5598-9387, University of the Witwatersrand), Kemesha Gabbidon (0000-0001-9900-4308, University of South Florida), Trixie MacNeill (0009-0000-7672-584X, Davidson College), Renato A Errea (0000-0003-0656-0036, EsSALUD), Jerome T Galea (0000-0001-8732-6959, University of South Florida), Molly F Franke (0000-0002-4890-5728, Harvard University), Kristin A Kosyluk (0000-0002-9478-3506, University of South Florida, autor correspondente)
Ano2026
Data de publicação2026-07-08
Peer ReviewedSim
Open AccessSim
TipoARTICLE
PeriódicoAIDS and Behavior (JOURNAL)
Identificadores do periódicoISSN: 1090-7165 • E-ISSN: 1573-3254
EditoraSpringer Science and Business Media LLC (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1007/s10461-026-05191-6
PMID42414840
OpenAlexW7167639036
IdiomaEN
Referências citadas53

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) stigma constitutes a major barrier to HIV prevention, testing, and treatment, and is associated with harmful consequences for people living with HIV such as discrimination, rejection from family and friends, and treatment nonadherence. This qualitative descriptive study aimed to understand the drivers, perpetuators, and outcomes of HIV-related stigma among young people living with HIV (YPLWH) in Lima, Peru. From November 2022 to June 2023, we conducted interviews and focus groups with a diverse group of 75 YPWLH, in addition to healthcare providers and HIV advocates, to discuss their experiences of HIV-related stigma. Audio recordings were transcribed verbatim and analyzed deductively using framework analysis. Participants identified the drivers of HIV-related stigma as a lack of information about HIV and misinformation about HIV, and the key power groups who perpetuate this stigma, which included parents and older generations, educators, and healthcare providers. Participants reported outcomes of HIV-related stigma; these included feelings of fear, shame, and loneliness, and enacted behaviors such as treatment nonadherence, nondisclosure of HIV diagnosis, and social avoidance. Participants also reported health outcomes of sickness, death, and HIV transmission, and social outcomes including discrimination from employers, educators, and peers, and loss of social support. These findings are critical to understanding how HIV-related stigma manifests in the cultural context of Lima, Peru, and can be used to inform effective interventions to reduce and mitigate the impacts of HIV-related stigma

Descriptive research · Health psychology · Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) · Public health · Qualitative research · Social stigma · Stigma (botany) · HIV-related health complications and treatments · HIV/AIDS Impact and Responses · HIV/AIDS Research and Interventions