Abstract:
Introduction. Adolescents (10-19years) living with HIV (ALWH) face unique challenges in controlling HIV long term, including stigma and perception of stigma within their communities. Methods. We conducted a qualitative
investigation of the sources of perceived HIV-related stigma with ALWH in western Kenya. Forty-six ALWH on
ART, aware of their status, and engaged in care were enrolled. Interviews explored perceived stigma by probing
the individuals and experiences that adolescents identify as causing or perpetuating their ongoing fears. Results.
Participants (54% male, mean age 17.4) reported ongoing fears of stigmatization related to friends and peers not
living with HIV. They described previous enacted and first-hand observations of stigma, most often occurring in
pre-adolescence, by age mates or peers at school as the most common cause for their ongoing fears. Conclusions.
Perceived stigma is prevalent among ALWH and develops from experiences in pre-adolescence. Anti-HIV stigma
interventions addressing educators and children in school settings to combat perceived stigma at its source should
be investigated.
