Critical delays in HIV testing and care - The potential role of stigma

When learning of a positive HN test, individuals face a host of psychological and social stresses. HN-related stigma is associated with psychological distress and con interfere with coping, adjustment, and management of HIV disease. Effective management of HIV disease requires timely testing for HN infection so that persons who are infected can learn of their serostatus and gain access to care, therefore benefiting from available treatment options. This article discusses the impact that HIV-related stigma has on HIV testing and care. Specifically, problems associated with delays in testing, disclosure of seropositive status, and implications for health care are presented.