Perceived stigma, medical social support and quality of life among people living with HIV/AIDS in Hunan, China

Purpose: The present study aimed at examining the relationships among perceived stigma, social support, and quality of life (QOL) in people living with HIV (PLWH).

Methods: We recruited 190 participants meeting the inclusion criteria from two HIV clinics in Hunan, China. HIV-related Stigma Scale, the Chinese Version of the Medical Outcomes Study - Social Support Survey (MOS-SSS-C), and the Medical Outcomes Study-HIV (MOS-HIV) were used to measure the perceived stigma, social support and QOL in PLWH.

Results: The mean scores of the perceived stigma, social support, and QOL were 104.32, 53.63, and 61.97 respectively, which were in moderate range. Stepwise multivariate regression analysis showed (R(2)=.49, p<.01) a low score of internalized stigma and family stigma, a high score of tangible support for non-drug use and antiretroviral treatment, and high CD4 count predicted better QOL.

Conclusion: Perceived stigma and social support are correlated with the QOL in PLWH. Interventions designed to decrease perceived stigma and strengthen social support from family are necessary to improve the QOL in PLWH.