Self-reported perception of employment status and workplace discrimination on HIV chronic disease patients in Romania

Employment strongly affects health and well-being through income, access to care, housing, food security and social support. For people living with HIV, it is associated with better physical and mental health, higher self-esteem, greater social inclusion and improved treatment adherence. However, stigma, concerns about disclosing diagnosis and perceived reduced work capacity remain major barriers to employment. This UNOPA-funded exploratory study examined these barriers in Romania using data collected through an anonymous online questionnaire administered between January and May 2024. A total of 358 people living with HIV participated voluntarily, with informed consent and confidentiality assured. The sample included 142 women and 216 men aged 18–60. Although 71.8% reported previous work experience, only 27.9% were employed at the time of the study, while 43.9% were no longer working and 37.1% reported informal work. Most respondents (88.3%) believed that HIV-positive people face greater difficulty finding employment. Perceived workplace discrimination was high (73.74%), and more than 42% strongly agreed that disclosing HIV status could lead to dismissal. Overall, although most participants had work experience and relevant skills, employment remained low, with stigma and fear of discrimination emerging as major barriers for people living with HIV in Romania.