Worldwide changes in HIV-related stigma among people living with HIV: A cross-temporal meta-analysis and systematic review
Abstract
Background: HIV-related stigma among people living with HIV has emerged as a growing public health concern, yet limited longitudinal data are available to characterize its evolution over time. In this study, we employed a cross-temporal meta-analysis to systematically assess whether the level of HIV-related stigma has increased, utilizing standardized measurement tools to quantify potential changes.
Aim: To systematically review the worldwide changes in HIV-related stigma among people living with HIV.
Design: Cross-temporal meta-analysis and systematic review.
Methods: We searched 10 databases (from their inception to August 2025) for studies that measured HIV-related stigma using the Berger HIV Stigma Scale (BHSS). Two researchers independently screened the studies and extracted data. Correlation, regression and quantitative analyses of differences in HIV-related stigma were conducted using SPSS 27.0.1 and R 4.5.0.
Results: A total of 104 studies involving 43 678 samples were included in this study. The results showed that from 2004 to 2023, year was only positively associated with disclosure concerns, but this correlation was very weak (r = 0.272). However, weighted linear regression indicated mild increasing trends in total BHSS score, disclosure concerns and concern with public attitudes across years (β = 0.244-0.388). Subgroup analyses revealed variations in trends across different continents: Asia and Africa generally exhibited an upward trend, whereas North America…
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Evidence Hub reads this as a meta-analysis, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid.
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