HIV-related stigma, notably anticipated stigma, remains prevalent among people with HIV in Denmark and is significantly associated with a range of psychosocial and sexual challenges.
Anticipated stigma was the most commonly reported stigma mechanism among people with HIV in Denmark.
Enacted stigma was reported at substantially lower rates than anticipated stigma, with a notable sex difference.
Originating from low- or middle-income countries was associated with higher HIV-related stigma levels.
A history of mental health problems was associated with higher HIV-related stigma levels.
Non-heterosexual identity and longer time since HIV diagnosis were associated with lower HIV-related stigma.
In both men and women, higher stigma was significantly associated with fewer close friends, loneliness, anxiety, and reduced sexual desire.
Among men specifically, higher stigma was significantly associated with sharing HIV status with fewer people, depression, suicidal tendencies, and erectile dysfunction.
This research suggests that HIV-related stigma remains a widespread and serious problem for people living with HIV in Denmark, even in a country with universal healthcare and relatively progressive social policies. The study surveyed 630 people with HIV across Denmark between 2021 and 2022 and found that the most common form of stigma was 'anticipated stigma' — meaning people were not necessarily experiencing direct discrimination, but were deeply worried about what would happen if others found out about their HIV status. Nearly 7 in 10 men and more than 3 in 4 women reported high levels of this concern. By contrast, actual reported discrimination ('enacted stigma') was much less common, though women reported it at more than double the rate of men. The study also found that stigma was not experienced equally across all groups. People who came from low- or middle-income countries and those with a history of mental health problems reported higher stigma levels. On the other hand, people who identified as non-heterosexual and those who had been living with HIV for longer reported lower stigma, possibly reflecting greater community support or increased familiarity with managing an HIV diagnosis over time. Crucially, higher stigma was consistently linked to a range of negative health outcomes: both men and women with higher stigma reported having fewer close friends, feeling lonelier, experiencing more anxiety, and having lower sexual desire. Among men, stigma was additionally linked to depression, suicidal thoughts, and erectile dysfunction. This research suggests that even in high-income countries with strong healthcare systems, HIV stigma continues to harm the mental, social, and sexual well-being of people living with HIV. The findings highlight that simply providing medical treatment is not sufficient — efforts to reduce stigma, particularly the fear of disclosing one's HIV status, are important for improving overall quality of life. Groups including women, people from lower-income countries, and those with mental health histories may need targeted support.
Scofield D, Weis N, Meddis A, Storgaard M, Pedersen G, Johansen I, et al.. (2025). HIV-related Stigma among People with HIV in Denmark and its Association with Psychosocial and Sexual Health: a cross-sectional Nationwide Study.. AIDS and behavior. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10461-025-04806-8