Suicide ideation and attempts and perceived stigma among children affected by HIV/AIDS in China

Existing literature documented that parental illness and death due to HIV/AIDS impose challenges on children's development. Limited data are available regarding the risk factors of suicide ideation and attempts among children affected by HIV/AIDS in Asia. This study aims to explore the association between stigma and suicidality among children affected by HIV/AIDS aged 6 to 18. Data of the current study were collected from 755 AIDS orphans, 466 vulnerable children, and 404 comparison children in Henan, China. The sample consists of 826 boys (51%) and 799 girls (49%). Suicide ideation and suicide attempts in the past 6 months were assessed by two questions concerning suicidality. Perceived stigma was measured by two inventories regarding perceived public stigma against PLWHA and against children of PLWHA. In the current study, 4.8% of the children reported having suicide ideation and 1.8% of the children reported having suicide attempts in the past 6 months. Logistic regression indicated that after controlling for children's age, gender, socio-economic status, and whether affected by HIV/AIDS, suicide ideation was associated with perceived stigma against PLWHA (aOR = 1.72, 95%CI 1.22 - 2.43) and perceived stigma against children of PLWHA (aOR = 1.423, 95%CI 1.02 – 2.00). Suicide attempts was associated with perceived stigma against PLWHA (aOR = 2.27, 95%CI 1.31 – 3.91), perceived stigma against children of PLWHA (aOR = 1.81, 95%CI 1.06 – 3.08). Future mental health promotion in general efforts among children affected by HIV/AIDS need to consider the influence of public stigma against PLWHA and their children.