“All They See Is Those Three Letters”: Exploring the Effects of Stigma Among Older Black Women Living with HIV

Abstract

Older Black women (OBW) aged 50 years and older are disproportionately affected by HIV, a condition that remains highly stigmatized. This qualitative descriptive study uses secondary data of previously collected data to explore the effects of HIV-related stigma on a sample of 19 OBW living with HIV. Convenience sampling was used to recruit participants in Florida, USA. In-depth interviews were conducted. Through conventional content analysis, seven themes were constructed: (a) the need for HIV to be a secret, (b) concerns about discrimination, (c) anticipated stigma, (d) behavioral responses to anticipated stigma, (e) ignorance and fear as sources of stigma, (f) emotional responses to experienced stigma, and (g) suggestions for future interventions. HIV-related stigma continues to be a major obstacle that OBW living with HIV must confront. The study’s findings can inform clinical practice and health professional education and encourage greater use of mental health resources among OBW living with HIV.