In this week’s PLoS Medicine, an researchers analyzed the experiences of stigma and coping tactics among HIV-positive women in Ontario, Canada.

Using focus groups, Mona Loutfy of the University of Toronto, Canada and colleagues discovered that women attributed their experiences of discrimination and stigma to HIV-related stigma, racism, homophobia, transphobia, involvement in sex work, sexism, and gender discrimination.

According to the women, they used coping tactics, such as:

  • Resilience (at a micro level)
  • Challenging stigma (at a macro level)
  • Social networks and support groups (at a meso level)

The researchers explain that:

“Overall, this investigation highlights a complex system of intersectional stigma that necessitates multifaceted strategies to promote health and equity for HIV-positive women.

Findings can inform treatment, care, and support guidelines and practice recommendations for health care practitioners, social workers, HIV prevention and support workers, and mental health specialists working with HIV-positive women.”

Written by Grace Rattue