HIV-related stigma and life satisfaction among individuals living with HIV/AIDS: a focus on social isolation

Mehtap Genç; Demet Çelik; Esma Eroğlu; Saliha Yarımoğlu

HIV-related stigma and life satisfaction among individuals living with HIV/AIDS: a focus on social isolation

Abstract

Aims: This study was conducted to examine the relationships between the dimensions of HIV-related stigma, including social isolation, and life satisfaction among individuals living with HIV/AIDS. Methods: This correlational study was conducted with 93 individuals living with HIV/AIDS who attended a public hospital between March 15 and June 12, 2026. Data were collected using an Information Form, the HIV/AIDS Stigma Instrument, and the Adults Life Satisfaction Scale. Results: Among individuals living with HIV/AIDS, life satisfaction was significantly and negatively correlated with social isolation (r=-0.299; p=0.015), verbal abuse (r=-0.287. p=0.020), and fear of contagion (r=-0.289. p=0.020). However, no significant correlations were found between life satisfaction and healthcare neglect (r=-0.155. p=0.219), negative self-image (r=-0.208. p=0.097), or workplace stigma (r=-0.112. p=0.376). Conclusion: Certain dimensions of HIV-related stigma were found to be associated with life satisfaction among individuals living with HIV/AIDS. In particular, social isolation, verbal abuse, and fear of contagion were significantly associated with life satisfaction. Based on these findings, interventions aimed at reducing stigma and psychosocial support programs focusing on social isolation, verbal abuse, and fear of contagion are recommended. In addition, mental health and psychiatric nurses are encouraged to provide counseling and psychoeducation programs for individuals living with HIV/AIDS.

Keywords

Ethical Statement

This study was conducted in accordance with scientific ethical principles and applicable legal regulations. Prior to the commencement of the study, ethical approval was obtained from the Scientific Research and Publication Ethics Committee of the Faculty of Health Sciences at Karamanoğlu Mehmetbey University (Decision No. 10-2025/166), following approval at its 10th regular meeting held on December 10, 2025. Following ethics approval, official permission was obtained from the relevant public institution where the fieldwork was conducted. Permission to collect data at the public hospital was subsequently granted by the relevant Provincial Directorate of Health (Approval No. E-13048354-770-308149367; March 13, 2026). Individuals who agreed to participate were provided with detailed information regarding the purpose, scope, procedures, and potential implications of the study. Written and verbal informed consent was obtained from all participants. Throughout the data collection and data processing procedures, the confidentiality of participants' personal information was strictly maintained, and participation was entirely voluntary, in accordance with the principle of respect for human dignity. The study was conducted in full accordance with the ethical principles of the Declaration of Helsinki.

Thanks

The authors sincerely thank all individuals living with HIV who generously participated in this study and shared their experiences. Their valuable contributions made this research possible.

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Infectious Diseases, Internal Diseases Nursing, Mental Health Nursing

Journal Section

Research Article

Authors

Mehtap Genç ^*
0000-0002-6420-9327
Türkiye

Demet Çelik
0000-0002-4838-0714
Türkiye

Esma Eroğlu
0000-0002-0181-6023
Türkiye

Saliha Yarımoğlu
0000-0001-7081-9474
Türkiye

Publication Date

October 25, 2026

Submission Date

July 9, 2026

Acceptance Date

September 19, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 8 Number: 6

IZ

https://izlik.org/JA48CW97RT

Cite

RIS / Bibtex

APA

Genç, M., Çelik, D., Eroğlu, E., & Yarımoğlu, S. (2026). HIV-related stigma and life satisfaction among individuals living with HIV/AIDS: a focus on social isolation. Anatolian Current Medical Journal, 8(6), 1308-1316. https://izlik.org/JA48CW97RT

AMA

1.Genç M, Çelik D, Eroğlu E, Yarımoğlu S. HIV-related stigma and life satisfaction among individuals living with HIV/AIDS: a focus on social isolation. Anatolian Curr Med J / ACMJ / acmj. 2026;8(6):1308-1316. https://izlik.org/JA48CW97RT

Chicago

Genç, Mehtap, Demet Çelik, Esma Eroğlu, and Saliha Yarımoğlu. 2026. “HIV-Related Stigma and Life Satisfaction Among Individuals Living With HIV AIDS: A Focus on Social Isolation”. Anatolian Current Medical Journal 8 (6): 1308-16. https://izlik.org/JA48CW97RT.

EndNote

Genç M, Çelik D, Eroğlu E, Yarımoğlu S (October 1, 2026) HIV-related stigma and life satisfaction among individuals living with HIV/AIDS: a focus on social isolation. Anatolian Current Medical Journal 8 6 1308–1316.

IEEE

[1]M. Genç, D. Çelik, E. Eroğlu, and S. Yarımoğlu, “HIV-related stigma and life satisfaction among individuals living with HIV/AIDS: a focus on social isolation”, Anatolian Curr Med J / ACMJ / acmj, vol. 8, no. 6, pp. 1308–1316, Oct. 2026, [Online]. Available: https://izlik.org/JA48CW97RT

ISNAD

Genç, Mehtap - Çelik, Demet - Eroğlu, Esma - Yarımoğlu, Saliha. “HIV-Related Stigma and Life Satisfaction Among Individuals Living With HIV AIDS: A Focus on Social Isolation”. Anatolian Current Medical Journal 8/6 (October 1, 2026): 1308-1316. https://izlik.org/JA48CW97RT.

JAMA

1.Genç M, Çelik D, Eroğlu E, Yarımoğlu S. HIV-related stigma and life satisfaction among individuals living with HIV/AIDS: a focus on social isolation. Anatolian Curr Med J / ACMJ / acmj. 2026;8:1308–1316.

MLA

Genç, Mehtap, et al. “HIV-Related Stigma and Life Satisfaction Among Individuals Living With HIV AIDS: A Focus on Social Isolation”. Anatolian Current Medical Journal, vol. 8, no. 6, Oct. 2026, pp. 1308-16, https://izlik.org/JA48CW97RT.

Vancouver

1.Mehtap Genç, Demet Çelik, Esma Eroğlu, Saliha Yarımoğlu. HIV-related stigma and life satisfaction among individuals living with HIV/AIDS: a focus on social isolation. Anatolian Curr Med J / ACMJ / acmj [Internet]. 2026 Oct. 1;8(6):1308-16. Available from: https://izlik.org/JA48CW97RT