Table 2 Themes by frequency
From: A qualitative metasynthesis of stigma in women living with HIV in the United States
Themes and Subthemes | Description | N (Frequency) |
|---|---|---|
Intersectional Stigma | ||
 Healthcare Providers | Women reported stigmatizing experiences in healthcare settings. | 18 (42) |
 Trauma and Poverty | Past and present struggles with substance use, poverty, interpersonal violence, and adverse childhood events impacted WLWH in their coping, daily lives, illness management. | 17 (40) |
 Mental Health | WLWH experienced persistent anxiety from stigma resulting in feelings of shame, loneliness, and isolation. | 16 (37) |
 Race and Gender | Race and gender compounded stigmatization and marginalization. | 13 (30) |
 Family | Interpersonal stigma from family and friends resulted in abandonment, rejection, and betrayal. | 10 (23) |
Transcending Stigma | ||
 Paradox of Disclosure | Disclosure was a source of anxiety and stress but facilitated social support and engagement in care. | 20(47) |
 Social Support | Women built social support systems at individual, institutional, and community levels. | 17 (40) |
 Paradox of Motherhood | Motherhood intensified stigmatization and simultaneously supported resilience. | 13 (30) |
 Hardiness, Gratitude and Optimism | Intrapersonal qualities such as hardiness, gratitude and optimism served as sources of resilience. | 12 (28) |
 Facing the Illness | After an initial period of denial and distress, WLWH perceived a positive life progression. | 10 (23) |
 Spirituality | Spirituality and personal faith were integral forms of support for WLWH. | 10 (23) |
Responding with Resilience | ||
 Accepting Oneself and Search for Personal Meaning | Constructing a positive self-identity through self-acceptance facilitated transcendence. | 15 (35) |
 Advocacy | WLWH stressed the importance of advocacy and education. | 11 (26) |
 Self-care | Self-care practices were integral to resilience. | 10 (23) |
 Opposing Stigma and Transcending Constructs | Women counteracted stigma by resisting stigmatizing experiences and people and transcended negative constructs through reframing. | 10 (23) |
 Better Able to Cope with Age | Women were better able to cope with their illness as they aged. | 9 (20) |