Perceived Stigma and Life Satisfaction: Experiences of Urban African American Men Living with HIV/AIDS

The purpose of this study was to explore associations and relationships between the domains of perceived stigma and life satisfaction in a sample of HIV-infected African American men in an urban setting. A descriptive cross-sectional survey design method was used. Participants include a convenience sample (N = 55) of urban African American males who self-identified as having HIV/AIDS. Study participants completed a questionnaire that included sociodemographic indicators (age, education, length of time since diagnosis, subjective health status, clinical status) as well as instruments designed to measure perceived stigma (personalized stigma, negative self-image, disclosure concerns, and public attitudes) using the perceived stigma scale and life satisfaction scale. A majority of the men perceived being stigmatized along the domains of personalized stigma, negative self-image, disclosure concerns, and public attitudes, all of which were inversely associated with life satisfaction. A hierarchical regression analysis identified four stigma domains that accounted for 40.2% of variance in life satisfaction after adjusting for sociodemographic variables. Mediational analysis indicated that the domains of personalized stigma and public attitudes operated through negative self-image to influence life satisfaction. Findings from this study suggest that HIV-related stigma is a complex phenomenon experienced in both the personal and social realms. Reducing stigma through targeted interventions may aid individuals with HIV/AIDS to better adhere to treatment regimens and improve their life satisfaction.