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 2- Clinical Research Development Center, Motazedi Hospital, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran 
 3- Behavioral Diseases Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran 
 4- Behavioral Diseases Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran , f_jalilian@yahoo.com
                    
                    
                    Abstract:       (2273 Views)
                    
                    
                    Background and Objective: Internalized stigma (IS) is defined as negative stereotypes people hold about themselves and have accepted them. The purpose of this study was to determine IS among HIV/AIDS patients in Kermanshah, Iran.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional research was conducted on 200 HIV/AIDS patients in the Behavioral Diseases Counseling Center of Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran, in 2021. The required data were collected using a questionnaire and holding an interview. The gathered data were analyzed in SPSS-16 software using one-way analysis of variance, independent samples t-test, and bivariate correlation tests.
Results: The average overall score of IS was obtained at 5.65 (score range: 0 to 6). The mean internalized stigma score was slightly higher among male patients, single individuals, those with primary education, unemployed patients, and those with poor economic status; however, it was not statistically significant.
Conclusions: It can be concluded that IS highly prevalent among HIV/AIDS patients in Kermanshah. Comprehensive interventions among patients are needed to reduce stigma.
 
                    
                    
                    
                    
                    
                    Article Type:  
Research Article |
                    Subject: 
                    
Sexual behavior  Received: 2023/06/30 | Accepted: 2023/10/13 | Published: 2023/10/18