Qualitative Analysis of Multiple Sources and Dimensions of Stigma Among Older Adults Living With HIV Infection Released From Corrections

While sources of stigma associated with HIV, incarceration, and aging have been explored separately, the concurrent effects of these multiple sources have been understudied. We conducted in-depth interviews with 48 older adults over 50 years of age with HIV infection who were returning from correctional settings concerning their experiences of stigma. Participants described HIV-related stigma substantially more often than incarceration-related stigma and a greater number of stigma experiences as time passed from release. Anticipated stigma experiences were frequently associated with HIV. Enacted stigma was often related to incarceration. Internalized stigma was associated with both HIV and incarceration. However, participants often described aging as a positive experience of gaining wisdom and control over their life. The findings indicated that multiple sources of stigma affect different dimensions of stigma. Postrelease interventions may benefit from addressing increasing experiences of stigma in the rapidly growing population of older adults living with HIV with a history of incarceration.