Multiple dimensions of HIV stigma and psychological distress among Asians and Pacific Islanders living with HIV illness
Kang, E.; Rapkin, B.D.; Remien, R.H.; Mellins, C.A.; Oh, A.
Aids and Behavior 9(2): 145-154
2005
ISSN/ISBN: 1090-7165 PMID: 15933834 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-005-3896-9Document Number: 253514
Asians and Pacific Islanders (APIs) living with HIV/AIDS in the US are particularly vulnerable to HIV-related stigma largely due to ingrained socio-cultural norms that strongly associate HIV transmission with activities perceived to be immoral. This cross-sectional study examined the relationship between five HIV-stigma factors and psychological distress among 54 HIV-seropositive APIs. Social Rejection, Negative Self-Worth, Perceived Interpersonal Insecurity, and Financial Security were all significantly associated with psychological distress. Results from hierarchical multiple regression analyses indicated that Social Rejection, Negative Self-Worth, and Perceived Interpersonal Insecurity significantly predicted psychological distress after control for physical symptoms and country of birth. Undocumented Asians endorsed higher levels of Social Rejection, Negative Self-Worth and Perceived Interpersonal Insecurity than documented APIs. Future studies examining mechanisms of psychological distress among HIV-seropositive APIs are needed.