6th International AIDS Conference San Francisco, California, USA — June 20-23, 1990

Int Conf AIDS 1990 Jun 20-23; 6:336 (abstract no. Th.D.841)
Bjorner J, Gandil P, Andersen T; University of Copenhagen, Denmark

OBJECTIVE: To study whether HIV-positive are more socially stigmatized and have reduced social network compared to HIV-negative haemophiliacs.

METHODS: An anonymous self-administered questionnaire to all Danish haemophiliacs with factor level 5% or less registered at the 2 Danish haemophilia centers (N=212). Response rate was 70% among HIV-positive and 60% among HIV-negative. Analysis was restricted to persons over 9 years (n=112). Statistics used were Chi-square and Cochran's test.

RESULTS: The groups did not differ in age distribution, education, work, place of living, conjugal state, treatment, number of bleedings or beddays. 1) Amount of contact: The HIV-positive had same frequency of contacts with family and friends as the HIV-negative, were equally engaged in groups and had more contact with treatment centers. 2) Content of contact: The groups did not differ in opportunities for practical help or number of confidants. 3) Subjective evaluation: No difference was found in feelings of loneliness. The HIV-positive had a more positive rating of their social relations but were less sure whether they were accepted by their friends and whether their doctors were open with them. 4) Stigmatization: There was no difference in experience of stigmatization due to haemophilia. 40% of the HIV-positive had experienced stigmatization due to HIV one or more times.

CONCLUSION: Even with intact social network, HIV-positive haemophiliacs perceive their social relations differently than HIV-negative, thus reflecting a greater social vulnerability.

900620
ThD841

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