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AIDS and Behavior
Published in: AIDS and Behavior 8/2012

01-11-2012 | Original Paper

Sexual Behavior as a Function of Stigma and Coping with Stigma Among People with HIV/AIDS in Rural New England

Authors: Susan E. Varni, Carol T. Miller, Sondra E. Solomon

Published in: AIDS and Behavior | Issue 8/2012

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Abstract

The relationship between coping with HIV/AIDS stigma and engaging in risky sexual behavior (i.e., inconsistent condom use) was examined in HIV-positive adults living in rural areas. Participants answered questions about their experiences with HIV/AIDS prejudice and discrimination (enacted stigma) and their perceptions of felt HIV/AIDS stigma (disclosure concerns, negative self-image, and concern with public attitudes). They were also asked about how they coped with HIV/AIDS stigma, and about their sexual activity during the past 90 days. We hypothesized that using disengagement coping to manage the stress of HIV/AIDS stigma would be related to risky sexual behavior. Multinomial logistic regression results showed that using disengagement coping (avoidance, denial, and wishful thinking) coupled with high levels of enacted stigma was associated with less risky rather than more risky sexual behavior. That is, disengagement coping coupled with high stigma increased the odds of not having vaginal or anal sex versus inconsistently using condoms. Implications for people with HIV/AIDS who use disengagement coping to manage stress to deal with HIV/AIDS stigma are discussed.
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Metadata
Title
Sexual Behavior as a Function of Stigma and Coping with Stigma Among People with HIV/AIDS in Rural New England
Authors
Susan E. Varni
Carol T. Miller
Sondra E. Solomon
Publication date
01-11-2012
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
AIDS and Behavior / Issue 8/2012
Print ISSN: 1090-7165
Electronic ISSN: 1573-3254
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10461-012-0239-5

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