Abstract
Two conditions that are highly stigmatized are substance use and HIV. In this qualitative study, we
investigated, through thematic analyses of verbatim transcripts, 15 substance users’ experiences with
receiving their diagnosis, making disclosure decisions, and receiving and dealing with stigmatizing
reactions. Motivations to disclose included being in poor health, having visible symptoms, others
seeing HIV medication, poor medication access without disclosure, being asked directly, emotional
catharsis, believing that the target will maintain confidentiality, notifying a partner of risk, and
disclosing to reduce stigma. Reasons for concealment were needing time to process the diagnosis,
fear of stigmatization, previous negative experiences with disclosure, being advised to conceal, not
wanting to burden others, and believing that one’s HIV is irrelevant. Stigmatizing reactions from others
included increased physical distance, excessive precautions, social avoidance, abandonment,
rejection, exclusion, judgment, blame, name calling, gossip, denial, and requests to conceal status.
Layered stigma was prevalent and substance use stigma was reported to be greater than HIV stigma.
Emotional and social consequences were reported, as were a number of coping strategies. Findings
are important input for stigma reduction.
investigated, through thematic analyses of verbatim transcripts, 15 substance users’ experiences with
receiving their diagnosis, making disclosure decisions, and receiving and dealing with stigmatizing
reactions. Motivations to disclose included being in poor health, having visible symptoms, others
seeing HIV medication, poor medication access without disclosure, being asked directly, emotional
catharsis, believing that the target will maintain confidentiality, notifying a partner of risk, and
disclosing to reduce stigma. Reasons for concealment were needing time to process the diagnosis,
fear of stigmatization, previous negative experiences with disclosure, being advised to conceal, not
wanting to burden others, and believing that one’s HIV is irrelevant. Stigmatizing reactions from others
included increased physical distance, excessive precautions, social avoidance, abandonment,
rejection, exclusion, judgment, blame, name calling, gossip, denial, and requests to conceal status.
Layered stigma was prevalent and substance use stigma was reported to be greater than HIV stigma.
Emotional and social consequences were reported, as were a number of coping strategies. Findings
are important input for stigma reduction.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages | 350 |
| Number of pages | 1 |
| Publication status | Published - Sept 2015 |
| Event | 29th Conference of the European Health Psychology Society: Principles of Behaviour Change in Health and Illness - Grand Resort, Limassol, Cyprus Duration: 1 Sept 2015 → 5 Sept 2015 http://ehps2015.org/ |
Conference
| Conference | 29th Conference of the European Health Psychology Society |
|---|---|
| Abbreviated title | EHPS 2015 |
| Country/Territory | Cyprus |
| City | Limassol |
| Period | 1/09/15 → 5/09/15 |
| Internet address |