Experiences of stigma and discrimination among women living with HIV in the UK: findings from the People Living with HIV Stigma Survey UK 2015

Paterson, H. (2017) Experiences of stigma and discrimination among women living with HIV in the UK: findings from the People Living with HIV Stigma Survey UK 2015. 23rd Annual Conference of the British HIV Association (BHIVA), Liverpool, UK, 4–7 April 2017. (doi: 10.1111/hiv.12513)

Abstract

Background: The People Living with HIV Stigma Survey UK 2015 is a collaborative cross sector community‐led initiative that captures the feelings and experiences of living with HIV in a variety of settings with a specific focus on the previous year. We examine the lived experiences of women who took part in the survey. Methods: An advisory group of community members and experts help design the survey. People recruited from >120 community organisations and 47 HIV clinics completed an anonymous online survey. Responses stored securely were analysed at PHE with community engagement. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. Results: 378 (24%) women took part. Both women and men reported relatively high levels of worry, avoidance and exclusion of social settings in the last year and over half of participants had a low self‐image in relation to HIV. Overall fewer women reported rejection by a sexual partner (18% vs 33%, p<0.001). More trans women reported worrying about verbal harassment (50%, 9/18 vs 21%, 74/346) and exclusion from family gatherings (39%, 7/18 vs 17%, 60/342) than other women. Despite similar levels of disclosure levels in primary care, women reported less control over the disclosure of their status (aOR 1.65, CI 1.05, 2.59) and lower levels of support following disclosure (aOR 1.99, CI 1.23, 3.21) compared to men after adjustment for demographics. 53% (8/15) of trans women reported being treated differently to other patients at their GP (53%, 8/15) cf 15% (49/318) of other women; almost half (7/16) reported hearing negative comments from a healthcare worker about their HIV status or people with HIV compared to 17% (54/324) of other women. Conclusion: Women feel less control and support in primary care with regard to disclosure of their HIV and trans women experience disproportionate high levels of discrimination. Interventions to increase sensitivity and support within the healthcare are required.

• Item Type: Conference or Workshop Item
• Additional Information: Abstract.
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Paterson, Dr Helena
• Authors: Paterson, H.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Psychology & Neuroscience
• Journal Name: 23rd Annual Conference of the British HIV Association (BHIVA)