Back in August, members of The HIV Support Centre took part in the Living with HIV Stigma Index survey. The initial results for the UK are:

• 84% of people living with HIV are supported by other people living with HIV
• 60% are not sure if their medical records are being kept confidential
• 46% reported that their rights may have been abused in some way over the last year
• 45% of people living with HIV have challenged, confronted, or educated somone who was stigmatizing them.
• 31% have not had a consstructive conversation with a health care professional about their reproductive health, sexual relationships, drug-use, and emotional well-being.

Across the United Kingdom between May and September 2009, 869 people living with HIV were interviewed by their peers about experiences of living with HIV, accessing health and other services, experiences of stigma and discrimination, sources of support and living positively. We were part of that.
This important research will be used to influence policy makers at UK, European, and United Nations levels. Thank you to all who made it happen here.
Northern Ireland results will follow - watch this space.

Tags: AIDS, HIV, Living with Stigma, Living with Stigma Index, Northern Ireland, The HIV Support Centre, UK Results Living with HIV Stigma Index, UN AIDS

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