Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 24, 2026

Ex Vivo Infection of Human Lymphoid Tissue and Female Genital Mucosa with Human Immunodeficiency Virus 1 and Histoculture
Published on: October 12, 2018
Longitudinal Correlates of Internalized HIV Stigma Among Ugandan PLWH
Nipher Malika1, Laura M Bogart2, Harold D Green3
1RAND, 1776 Main St., Santa Monica, CA, 90401, USA. nmalika@rand.org.
Abstract:
Internalized HIV stigma, defined as negative self-perceptions among people living with HIV (PLWH) based on the societal stereotype, is a significant barrier to effective HIV prevention and care in Sub-Saharan Africa. This study examined longitudinal correlates of internalized HIV stigma among PLWH in Uganda. The sample included 105 participants (mean age = 39.3 years (SD = 10.5); 69.5% women). Surveys were conducted at baseline, and 6, 12, and 18 month-follow-up. Lagged repeated measures regression models revealed that younger average participant age, younger average age of network members, and lower average trust in network members were associated with increased internalized stigma over time; age of participant and trust remained as predictors in a multivariate model. Interventions aiming to reduce stigma should prioritize building supportive and trustworthy social environments. Understanding multi-level predictors of stigma is essential for developing strategies to improve health outcomes for PLWH in high-burden settings.
Related Concept Videos
Amebiasis
Sexually Transmitted Infections
Impact of Social Context on Individuals
Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin create...
Stereotype Threat and Self-fulfilling Prophecies
Longitudinal Research

