Title of article :
HIV-Related Knowledge and Stigma Among the General Population in the Southeast of Iran
Author/Authors :
Dehghan, Mahlagha Nursing Research Center - Kerman University of Medical Sciences , Shokoohi, Mostafa HIV/STI Surveillance Research Center - WHO Collaborating Center for HIV Surveillance - Institute for Futures Studies in Health - Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman - Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry - The University of Western Ontario - London - Canada , Mokhtarabadi, Sima Shafa Hospital - Kerman University of Medical Sciences , Tavakoli, Fatemeh HIV/STI Surveillance Research Center - WHO Collaborating Center for HIV Surveillance - Institute for Futures Studies in Health - Kerman University of Medical Sciences , Iranpour, Abedin HIV/STI Surveillance Research Center - WHO Collaborating Center for HIV Surveillance - Institute for Futures Studies in Health - Kerman University of Medical Sciences , Rafiei Rad, Ali Ahmad Department of Sociology - Allameh Tabatabai University, Tehran - HIV/STI Surveillance Research Center - WHO Collaborating Center for HIV Surveillance - Institute for Futures Studies in Health - Kerman University of Medical Sciences , Nasiri, Naser Department of Public Health - School of Public Health - Jiroft University of Medical Sciences , Karamouzian, Mohammad School of Population and Public Health - Faculty of Medicine - University of British Columbia - Vancouver - BC - Canada , Sharifi, Hamid HIV/STI Surveillance Research Center - WHO Collaborating Center for HIV Surveillance - Institute for Futures Studies in Health - Kerman University of Medical Sciences
Abstract :
Background: HIV-related stigma is a barrier to effective HIV responses among people living with HIV (PLHIV).
Objectives: The current study aimed at measuring HIV-related stigma, and its associated factors among the general population in
the Southeast of Iran.
Methods: The current cross-sectional study was conducted on a convenience sample of 900 individuals in Kerman, Southeast of
Iran, from July to September 2016. Data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire, including (I) demographic and background characteristics; (II) HIV-related stigma; and (III) HIV-related knowledge. Data were analyzed with SPSS version 20 using descriptive statistics, as well as bivariable and multivariable linear regressions.
Results: Low, moderate, and high levels of stigmatizing attitudes toward PLHIV were reported by 39.1%, 57.8%, and 3.1% of the participants, respectively. Female sex(beta = 0.33, P value = 0.01) and those not having a history of HIV testing (beta = 0.45, P value < 0.001)
had, on average, higher levels of stigmatizing attitudes, while those with a higher level of education (beta = -0.97, P value < 0.001)
had, on average, lower levels of stigmatizing attitudes.
Conclusions: Gender-sensitive educational interventions need to be developed to reduce the negative attitude towards PLHIV in Iran.
Keywords :
Stigma , Attitude , Knowledge , People Living with HIV , Iran
Journal title :
Shiraz E Medical Journal
