HIV/AIDS knowledge and stigmatizing attitudes among adult residents of the United Arab Emirates: A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND: HIV-related stigma remains a significant barrier to prevention and treatment efforts in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. This study assessed HIV knowledge and stigmatizing attitudes among United Arab Emirates (UAE) residents. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted across the UAE between January and March 2025. A total of 1,211 eligible adult residents were recruited through convenience sampling. Demographic analyses included all 1,211 participants, while HIV knowledge and stigma analyses included 1,171 participants with analyzable outcome data. The questionnaire assessed demographics, HIV transmission knowledge, and stigmatizing attitudes using the Stigmatizing Attitudes Towards People Living with HIV/AIDS Scale (SAT-PLWHA-S). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, bivariate analyses, and multiple linear regression. RESULTS: Among the 1,211 participants included in the study, 1,171 contributed analyzable data to the HIV knowledge and stigma analyses. While 96.4% had heard of HIV/AIDS and demonstrated moderately high transmission knowledge (mean score: 75.5%), significant misconceptions persisted, particularly regarding condom effectiveness (60.5% overestimated risk). Strong stigmatizing attitudes emerged, especially regarding criminalization of transmission (79.6% support) and moralistic views. Higher knowledge correlated with less stigma (r = 0.347, p < 0.001), though nationality, language preference, and knowing someone with HIV were stronger predictors. Only 6.2% knew someone with HIV. CONCLUSIONS: Despite adequate basic knowledge, significant HIV-related stigma persists in the UAE, driven by cultural and moral perspectives. Comprehensive interventions combining education, contact-based strategies, and policy reform are needed to reduce stigma and improve HIV prevention outcomes.