HIV related stigma and perceived social support of people living with HIV: In South India.

ABSTRACT

Objective: The aim of the study was to identify factors that are associated with high level of HIV related stigma and perceived social support of People Living With HIV using HIV Stigma Scale and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. Methods: The study was conducted among 200 PLHIV attending a tertiary care hospital and three Non-Governmental Organizations in Puducherry, South India, from November 2005 to May 2007. The information collected using the standard assessment scales were analyzed utilizing backward step-wise multiple linear regression. Results and Conclusion: Factors associated with high level of stigma were short time since diagnosis, non-disclosure, poor social support, younger age and male. PLHIV with lesser stigma and PLHIV whose income was maintained perceived better social support.