People Living with HIV Stigma Index: User Guide

HIV stigma and discrimination adversely affect every aspect of life for people living with HIV and their families. In many settings, an HIV diagnosis still can be as devastating as the illness itself, leading to job loss, school expulsion, violence, social ostracism, loss of property, and denial of health services and emotional support. People living in fear are less likely to adopt preventive behavior, come in for testing, disclose their sero-status to others, access care and adhere to treatment.

This user guide has been created for teams implementing the People Living with HIV Stigma Index in their communities. This user guide contains background information on the index and its intended purpose; an introduction to the questionnaire and the data gathering process; and practical guidance for training interviewers, ensuring the interview process is conducted in an ethical manner, and for effective data entry and analysis. The guide also includes tips for communicating the research findings and using them to advocate for the rights of people living with HIV.