Gender Differences in Stigma and Community Support among People Living with HIV/AIDS in Thailand

This study compares the levels of both stigma and community support as perceived and experienced by Thai men and women living with HIV/AIDS, and investigates individual factors, which can explain the gender differences in stigma and community support in Thailand. Data were collected from 412 members of people living with HIV/AIDS (PHA) support organizations in Bangkok and Northern Thai provinces. An assisted, self-administered survey instrument was used. The proportion of respondents who reported perceived stigma from people in their communities was significantly higher among male PHAs (46%) than females PHAs (34%). Male PHAs were significantly less likely than female PHAs to perceive community support (73% vs. 58%) and also to experience community support (26% vs. 15%). These gender differences appear due in large part to the following factors: (1) male PHAs had on average more visible AIDS symptoms than females, a factor associated with increased stigma and less community support; (2) male PHAs were less likely than females to be widowed, a factor strongly associated with increased community sympathy and support; and (3) male PHAs were more likely than females to reside in Bangkok, which has more hostile community responses toward PHAs than Northern Thai provinces. Future stigma reduction and support programs for PHA support groups in Thailand need to be focused on the sub-populations that are male, non-widowed, living in Bangkok, and have visible AIDS symptoms.