“I'm So Passive, Every Visit Is a Challenge”: Stigma Experienced by Older People Living With HIV During Follow-up Health Care Visits in Wuxi, China—A Qualitative Study

• Published in: The Journal of the Association of Nurses in AIDS Care
• Main Authors: Hao, Jiaxin, Feng, Limei, Zhang, Dan, Chen, Judi
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 14.05.2025
• Subjects: descriptive qualitative research; intersectional stigma; older people living with HIV; China
• ISSN: 1055-3290; 1552-6917; 1552-6917
• DOI: 10.1097/JNC.0000000000000557

HIV-related stigma remains a significant challenge for older people living with HIV (PLWH), particularly during routine health care visits. Our qualitative study explores the perceptions and experiences of stigma among 12 older PLWH in Wuxi, China, through semi-structured interviews. Using Braun and Clarke's thematic analysis, 4 primary themes emerged: (a) self-psychological emotional experiences, including both negative and positive encounters; (b) personal stigma-related medical behaviors, such as voluntary disclosure and seeking care for non–HIV-related conditions; (c) medical expectations regarding HIV treatment and health care providers; and (d) insufficient medical support, including digital divide and economic constraints. Participants faced diverse challenges, highlighting the need for comprehensive strategies to address stigma in health care visits for older PLWH.