The Association Between HIV and Substance Use Stigma and Attitudes and Utilization of HIV Care Among Adults Who Use Injection Drugs: A Systematic Review.
T Dylanne Twitty, Jennifer L Brown
✦ AI-curated · Sources linked
In 30 seconds
This systematic review examined whether HIV-related and/or substance-use stigma was associated with attitudes toward and use of HIV prevention, treatment, and broader healthcare among adults who inject drugs. Following PRISMA guidelines, the review included 11 studies. All but two studies reported an association between stigma experiences and poorer attitudes toward or utilization of HIV prevention and treatment. Substance-use stigma was negatively associated with most HIV care continuum outcomes. The review also identified limitations in the literature and called for more consistent stigma measurement and cross-cultural and longitudinal research.
Key findings
- The PRISMA-guided review included 11 studies of adults who report injection drug use.
- All but two studies linked stigma experiences with poorer attitudes toward or use of HIV prevention and treatment.
- Substance-use stigma was negatively associated with most HIV care continuum outcomes.
Why it matters
Stigma related to HIV and substance use may coincide with reduced engagement across HIV prevention and treatment, highlighting a potential barrier to care for adults who inject drugs. Understanding these associations can inform efforts to make care more responsive to stigma, while the evidence base remains limited and does not establish that stigma causes lower utilization.
What to keep in mind
The review included only 11 studies, and the authors noted a need for more consistent stigma measurement and cross-cultural and longitudinal approaches.