HIV-Related Public Stigma in Spain: Changes in Beliefs and Attitudes Among the General Population Between 2008 and 2021

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to describe the long-term evolution of HIV-related public stigma and the misconceptions around HIV transmission in Spain. A repeated cross-sectional study was conducted using data from three surveys with random sampling carried out in 2008, 2012, and 2021 with a total of 4,836 participants aged ≥ 16 residing in Spain. The temporal variation of public stigma and discrimination indicators between 2008 and 2021 and 2012–2021 was analyzed adjusting for possible sociodemographic differences among the samples calculating adjusted differences using multivariable Poisson regressions with robust variance and multivariable linear regressions. Most stigma indicators and misconceptions about HIV transmission decreased during the analyzed period. However, the degree of proximity of the participants with people with HIV and their willingness to establish relationships with them did not improve. HIV-related stigma remains a significant issue in Spain although most of the public stigma and discrimination indicators improved between 2008 and 2021.