Experiences of Living with HIV, Stigma, and Healthcare Access in Australia among People Born in China, Thailand, and Latin America Compared to People Born in Australia

Vollständiger Abstract

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Abstract In Australia, progress towards the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets is lower among people living with HIV born overseas compared to those born in Australia. Stigma is a major barrier to achieving these targets. This project aimed to identify differences in experiences of HIV-related stigma and healthcare outcomes between people born in Asia, Latin America, and Australia. Between April-August 2023, 153 Sydney Sexual Health Centre clients who were living with HIV completed an anonymous online survey. 71 participants were born in Australia, 45 in Latin America, 24 in Thailand, and 13 in China. Half of all participants (50.3%) experienced HIV-related stigma in the past year and over 40% of each group reported not disclosing their HIV status to health workers. Compared to Australian-born participants, those born in China reported more HIV concealment concerns; those from Latin America were less open about their HIV and were more likely to have attended three or more HIV-related clinical appointments in the past year; those born in Thailand reported HIV as being more central to their sense of identity and were more likely to report not knowing their last viral load test result. HIV-related stigma was similarly reported by all participant groups, however, more nuanced differences in stigma-related experiences and HIV healthcare outcomes were evident among participants born overseas. Differences in cultural experiences of HIV-related stigma must be considered when developing approaches to inclusive healthcare practices.