Internalized Aids-Related Stigma Experiences in West of Iran

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.