A meta-analysis of disclosure of one's HIV-positive status, stigma and social support

This study provides an analysis of the relationships among perceived stigma, reported disclosure and perceived social support for those living with HIV. The meta-analytic summary of 21 studies (4104 participants) showed, as predicted, a positive, heterogeneous correlation between disclosure and social support (r=.159), a negative, heterogeneous correlation between stigma and social support (r=-.344) and a negative, homogenous correlation between stigma and disclosure (r=-.189). The heterogeneity of the first two relationships indicates the presence of moderators, which may include participants' age and publications' year.