Internalized AIDS-Related Stigma Experiences in West of Iran

Background and Objective: 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. Materials and Methods: 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. Results: 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. Conclusions: It can be concluded that IS highly prevalent among HIV/AIDS patients in Kermanshah. Comprehensive interventions among patients are needed to reduce stigma.