Unraveling the Latent Profile and Transition of HIV-Related Stigma Among PLWH in China: Roles of Psychological Capital, Psychological Distress, and Social Support.

Based on the HIV stigma framework model and the modified socioecological framework, the study aimed to investigate the profiles of HIV-related stigma and the predictors of profile transition among PLWH in the context of China's Regulation about "caring and anti-discrimination for PLWH". The study utilized data from 1,198 PLWH (61.35% males; Mage = 41.03, SD = 9.19) who participated in a longitudinal socio-epidemiological research in Guangxi, China. Three waves of survey data were included in the analysis: T1 (May 2019, before the issue of Regulation), T2 (May 2020, half a year after the issue of Regulation), and T3 (November 2020, a year after the issue of Regulation). Latent transition analysis, a longitudinal and personal-center approach revealed that: (1) there were three distinct latent profiles among the participants: high HIV-stigma group (with higher anticipated and internalized HIV stigma), median HIV-stigma group, and lower HIV-stigma group (with lower internalized HIV stigma); (2) for individual level factors, female PLWH, PLWH with higher psychological distress, and PLWH with lower psychological capital tended to remain in or transition to high or median HIV-stigma group; and (3) for social level factors, tangible and informational supports (vs. affectionate support) were helpful for PLWH in low HIV-stigma group and were counterproductive for PLWH in high or median HIV-stigma group, and vice versa. These findings highlight the heterogeneity and transition of HIV-related stigma and guide tailored interventions to address HIV-related stigma among PLWH.