Results of Stigma Index Survey among people living with HIV in Russia

Background. The main aim of survey in 2010-2011 was to gather information about the problems of people living with HIV (PLHIV) in Russia.
Methods. The sample size was 660 people living with HIV aged 18 and over in 11 major towns in Russia. PLWHIV were involved in conducting of survey at all stages.
Results. 35 % of respondents encountered any form of discrimination or stigmatisation due to HIV status . 21 % encountered some form of discrimination from organisations or. 78 % of PLWHIV experienced negative feelings towards themselves. Human rights of 12 % had been violated, 28 % could not say with certainty whether their rights had been violated or not. Only 18 % of those whose rights had been violated, took some kind of action to protect them. 60 % made the decision to be tested for HIV independently and voluntarily. 43 % did not receive any kind of pre – and post testing counselling. 36% say that public health workers displayed discrimination . 23% had received advice from public health workers not to have children at least once since their diagnosis of HIV was confirmed. 4 % of survey participants mentioned that healthcare workers had forced them to have a sterilisation.
The survey became an instrument for protecting the rights of people living with HIV. The results were presented and discussed at the State Duma hearings