Quality of life and the legacy of stigma in people living with HIV

Optimal HIV care involves more than viral suppression; it includes living well with HIV. This study examined stigma among 213 people living with HIV (PLHIV) from an urban Sydney HIV-clinic and its impact on quality of life (QoL). HIV-stigma was assessed through self-reported perceived stigma and experiences of stigma in the past 12 months. QoL was measured using the PozQoL scale. Multiple linear regression analyses explored the relationship between stigma and QoL. The study found that recent stigmatizing experiences had a greater impact on QoL than other aspects of stigma. Historical stigmatizing experiences were linked to concerns about public attitudes, which influenced QoL more strongly. These findings highlight the long-term effects of stigma, showing that perceptions and expectations of stigma continue to impact PLHIV even without recent direct experiences. Addressing stigma and QoL requires considering both the current HIV landscape and the enduring legacy of stigma.