Intersectional patterns of HIV-related stigma and discrimination during early COVID-19 pandemic restrictions: a UK cross-sectional study (n = 653)

This cross-sectional study examined intersectional HIV-related stigma during early UK COVID-19 restrictions. Multiple logistic regressions and marginal effects examined demographic correlates of enacted stigma, internalised stigma, disclosure and data security concerns. Among 653 respondents, 80.6% identified as male, 69.8% as gay, and 16.9% as ethnic minority. Since the pandemic, 6.8% reported increased enacted stigma, 32.6% internalised stigma, 42.1% disclosure concerns, and 44.0% data security concerns. Younger PLWH (aged 20-39) were more likely to self-report enacted stigma than 40-59 year olds (AOR: .36, 95% CI: .16-.85) and PLWH over 60 (AOR: .24, 95% CI:.08-.73), as well as internalised stigma (AOR: .53, 95% CI: .33-.86 for 40-59 year olds; AOR: .25, 95% CI: .14-.46 for PLWH aged 60+). Compared to men living with HIV, women with HIV self-reported greater internalised stigma (AOR: 2.39, 95% CI: 1.13-5.05) and data security concerns (AOR: 2.51, 95% CI: 1.21-5.21). Compared to white PLWH, ethnic minority respondents were more likely to report data security concerns (AOR: 3.24, 95% CI: 1.84-5.70). Early COVID-19 restrictions may have exacerbated HIV-related stigma, disproportionately affecting women, ethnic minority, and younger PLWH. Future emergency responses should prioritise PLWH with intersecting vulnerabilities.