"You are always hiding. It's the worst way to live." Exploring Stigma in African Immigrants Living With HIV in a Large Northwest U.S. Metropolitan Area.

The study interviewed 20 English-speaking African immigrants in a large northwest U.S. metropolitan area, so the themes may not apply to other communities or to people who need language support. Most participants had lived with HIV for many years, with a median of 11 years since diagnosis, so newly diagnosed immigrants may be underrepresented. People willing to discuss HIV in a study may already have better coping or acceptance than those who avoid care or disclosure. The sample included people from nine countries, which may hide differences between African cultures and communities. The study reports experiences and themes, not measured effects of stigma on health or proof that any intervention works. One participant did not consent to audio recording, so that interview relied on field notes.

The authors reported no real or perceived vested interests that could be construed as a conflict of interest. The article is listed as supported by an extramural NIH grant.

Do not read these themes as proof that stigma caused missed care or that stigma reduction is proven to improve outcomes. The study described experiences of 20 English-speaking African immigrants in a large metropolitan area and did not measure effects.