HIV and AIDS Stigma and Discrimination in China: Results from a National Survey.

To combat stigma and the associated discrimination against HIV-positive people, understanding the knowledge, beliefs and attitudes among groups in a country is vital. A recent national opinion survey in China included questions on knowledge of HIV and AIDS and stigma and discrimination towards HIV-positive co-workers and family members. The paper shows remarkable consistency of views. Fully 60 per cent of respondents said that an HIV-positive co-worker should not be allowed to continue working. Regarding family members, 50 per cent of respondents said they would be willing to care for a sick family member. At the same time, 44 per cent of the respondents said they would want the HIV status of the family member to remain secret. Multivariate models related to stigma and discrimination against a co-worker and a family member showed little variation by background characteristics. The findings also reveal ambivalence among a substantial minority of Chinese about people living with HIV. These findings are important for the Chinese HIV and AIDS Programme. This study reinforces views that HIV-related stigma and discrimination are pervasive and that interventions to reduce stigma and discrimination need to reach all Chinese people, particularly those who live in rural areas, who constitute the majority. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]