Atlantic Region HIV Stigma Index

Initiative Summary

Although research has documented the outcomes associated with HIV-related stigma, there still remains a gap in solutions to mitigate and protect against these outcomes. Our study hopes to explore the nuances of HIV-related stigma within Canada and contribute to the growing body of knowledge around resiliency factors that may protect against the effects of HIV-related stigma.  

Initiative Objectives and Goals

We believe that through the implementation of the People Living With HIV Stigma Index we will be able to document the diverse experiences of HIV across Canada; empower and build capacity for people living with HIV to navigate the healthcare system; and educate healthcare professionals to reduce experiences of stigma and discrimination for people living with HIV accessing health services.

The Role of this Initiative to End the HIV Epidemic

Although research has documented the outcomes associated with HIV-related stigma, there still remains a gap in solutions to mitigate and protect against these outcomes. Our study hopes to explore the nuances of HIV-related stigma within Canada and contribute to the growing body of knowledge around resiliency factors that may protect against the effects of HIV-related stigma.

Meaningful Engagement with People with Lived Experience

People living with HIV are central to all phases of the study (through qualitative interviews across Atlantic Canada) through to the implementation of the People Living with HIV Stigma Index, including: helping to build connections; conducting interviews with PLHIV sharing their own stigma stories; data analysis; presentation of findings; and developing anti-stigma strategies.