ISSN 0303-5212
 
2026, Vol: 51, Issue: 1
51 / 1Current Issue Online FirstArchiveAims and ScopeAbstracting & IndexingMost Accessed ArticlesMost Downloaded ArticlesMost Cited Articles
Required files to be uploaded

Author_Certificate-old
Bank Reciept

Review Article 
RMJ. 2026; 51(1): 265-269


Stigmatization of HIV/AIDS in Asia: A closer look at literature regarding implications, challenges and strategies for enhanced well-being

Iqra Hamid Khan, Sreemoy Kanti Das, Joo Jie Ching, Kashif Iqbal Sahibzada.


Abstract
Objective: To examine the impact of HIV/AIDS-related stigma on people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV) in Asia.
Methodology: A literature review was conducted analysing peer-reviewed studies on HIV/AIDS stigma in Asian countries. Stigma was categorized into social, psychological, and structural dimensions by PLHIV at individual, societal, and policy levels.
Results: The review identified high levels of stigma in form of social isolation, discrimination, and internalized negative self-image among PLHIV. Stigma significantly impairs mental health, contributing to depression and anxiety, while also reducing access to healthcare and adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART). Socioeconomic factors such as poverty and gender inequality exacerbate stigma and hinder treatment-seeking behaviour. Evidence indicates that stigma in healthcare settings further discourages HIV testing and ongoing care.
Conclusion: Interventions like educational campaigns, community engagements, and policy reforms should focus on addressing psychosocial barriers and empowering PLHIV to improve treatment adherence and mental well-being. Future research should prioritize standardized stigma measurement and culturally sensitive coping strategies to enhance health outcomes.

Key words: HIV/AIDS, stigma, Asia, treatment adherence, mental health, challenges with PLHIV.


 
ARTICLE TOOLS
Abstract
PDF Fulltext
How to cite this articleHow to cite this article
Citation Tools
Related Records
 Articles by Iqra Hamid Khan
Articles by Sreemoy Kanti Das
Articles by Joo Jie Ching
Articles by Kashif Iqbal Sahibzada
on Google
on Google Scholar

How to Cite this Article
Pubmed Style

Khan IH, Das SK, Ching JJ, Sahibzada KI. Stigmatization of HIV/AIDS in Asia: A closer look at literature regarding implications, challenges and strategies for enhanced well-being. RMJ. 2026; 51(1): 265-269.

Web Style

Khan IH, Das SK, Ching JJ, Sahibzada KI. Stigmatization of HIV/AIDS in Asia: A closer look at literature regarding implications, challenges and strategies for enhanced well-being. https://www.rmj.org.pk/?mno=249262 [Access: February 25, 2026].

AMA (American Medical Association) Style

Khan IH, Das SK, Ching JJ, Sahibzada KI. Stigmatization of HIV/AIDS in Asia: A closer look at literature regarding implications, challenges and strategies for enhanced well-being. RMJ. 2026; 51(1): 265-269.


Vancouver/ICMJE Style

Khan IH, Das SK, Ching JJ, Sahibzada KI. Stigmatization of HIV/AIDS in Asia: A closer look at literature regarding implications, challenges and strategies for enhanced well-being. RMJ. (2026), [cited February 25, 2026]; 51(1): 265-269.


Harvard Style

Khan, I. H., Das, . S. K., Ching, . J. J. & Sahibzada, . K. I. (2026) Stigmatization of HIV/AIDS in Asia: A closer look at literature regarding implications, challenges and strategies for enhanced well-being. RMJ, 51 (1), 265-269.


Turabian Style

Khan, Iqra Hamid, Sreemoy Kanti Das, Joo Jie Ching, and Kashif Iqbal Sahibzada. 2026. Stigmatization of HIV/AIDS in Asia: A closer look at literature regarding implications, challenges and strategies for enhanced well-being. Rawal Medical Journal, 51 (1), 265-269.


Chicago Style

Khan, Iqra Hamid, Sreemoy Kanti Das, Joo Jie Ching, and Kashif Iqbal Sahibzada. "Stigmatization of HIV/AIDS in Asia: A closer look at literature regarding implications, challenges and strategies for enhanced well-being." Rawal Medical Journal 51 (2026), 265-269.


MLA (The Modern Language Association) Style

Khan, Iqra Hamid, Sreemoy Kanti Das, Joo Jie Ching, and Kashif Iqbal Sahibzada. "Stigmatization of HIV/AIDS in Asia: A closer look at literature regarding implications, challenges and strategies for enhanced well-being." Rawal Medical Journal 51.1 (2026), 265-269. Print.


APA (American Psychological Association) Style

Khan, I. H., Das, . S. K., Ching, . J. J. & Sahibzada, . K. I. (2026) Stigmatization of HIV/AIDS in Asia: A closer look at literature regarding implications, challenges and strategies for enhanced well-being. Rawal Medical Journal, 51 (1), 265-269.


Author LoginReviewer LoginEditorial PoliciesConflict of Interest PolicyPlagiarism PolicyAdvertising Policy

About Rawal Medical Journal

Publication, subscription and Editorial office PMA House G/220-B Liaquat Road, Rawalpindi. Phone: 051-555-9812, Fax: 051-553-7088 Email: drnkhokhar@ya ... Read more.



For best results, please use Internet Explorer or Google Chrome.

Contact Information