Barriers to Belonging: How Stigma Disrupts Social Roles for Malawian Adolescents Living with HIV and Opportunities for Change

Maria F. Faidas, Bradley N. Gaynes, Laika Maganga, Steven M. Mphonda, Maureen Matewere, Jeromy Nyirenda, Jack Kramer, Kazione Kulisewa, Nivedita L. Bhushan, Brian W. Pence, Melissa A. Stockton

Journal of the International Association of Providers of AIDS Care (JIAPAC)

Published online on January 28, 2026

Abstract

Journal of the International Association of Providers of AIDS Care (JIAPAC), Volume 25, January-December 2026.
BackgroundHuman immunodeficiency virus (HIV) stigma has detrimental impacts on HIV care outcomes, mental health, and psychosocial well-being. Adolescents living with HIV (ALWH) in Malawi experience HIV stigma as gossip, insults, and physical distancing, ...