Longitudinal Correlates of Internalized HIV Stigma Among Ugandan PLWH

Internalized HIV stigma, defined as negative self-perceptions among people living with HIV (PLWH) based on the societal stereotype, is a significant barrier to effective HIV prevention and care in Sub-Saharan Africa. This study examined longitudinal correlates of internalized HIV stigma among PLWH in Uganda. The sample included 105 participants (mean age = 39.3 years (SD = 10.5); 69.5% women). Surveys were conducted at baseline, and 6, 12, and 18 month-follow-up. Lagged repeated measures regression models revealed that younger average participant age, younger average age of network members, and lower average trust in network members were associated with increased internalized stigma over time; age of participant and trust remained as predictors in a multivariate model. Interventions aiming to reduce stigma should prioritize building supportive and trustworthy social environments. Understanding multi-level predictors of stigma is essential for developing strategies to improve health outcomes for PLWH in high-burden settings.