Knowledge and stigma of people living with HIV treated in a medication dispensing unit: a cross-sectional study

HIV infection is considered a public health problem. One of its coping strategies is the promotion of general knowledge about HIV and reduction of stigma related to the virus. However, little is known about these two constructs among people living with HIV (PLHIV).

To assess the levels of knowledge and stigma among PLHIV, and to examine the relationship between knowledge, stigma, and their associated factors.

A cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2022 to September 2023 at a Medication Dispensing Unit in Vitória, Brazil. Eligible PLHIV patients completed sociodemographic questionnaires and two instruments: the HIV Knowledge Questionnaire (HIV-K-Q, 43 items) and the Short HIV Stigma scale (12 items across four domains). Knowledge scores were based on correct answers, while stigma scores were calculated per domain, with higher scores indicating higher stigma. Statistical analyses included Student's t-test and Pearson's correlation (p ≤ 0.05). Ethical approval was obtained.

Among 104 participants, 79.3% answered most HIV-K-Q items correctly, indicating high knowledge levels. Stigma was highest in the domains "Disclosure concerns" (mean 12, sd 0.84) and "Concerns with public attitudes" (mean 11, sd 0,57). No correlation was found between knowledge and stigma. Men and those with higher education scored higher in knowledge. Rural residents reported higher stigma in "Disclosure concerns", and women showed higher stigma in "Concern with public attitudes".

Participants demonstrated high HIV knowledge, but stigma levels were concerning, particularly in disclosure and public attitude domains. This suggests stigma may negatively impact PLHIV's lives, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.