HIV/AIDS - Research and Palliative Care

Stigma and discrimination in HIV prevention and care

Despite the biomedical advancements in HIV prevention and treatment, and evolving public discourse on sexuality, HIV-related stigma persists, posing a significant challenge to the quality of life and mental health of people living with HIV (PLHIV). In the current context, marked by new prevention methods, innovative treatments, and a complex interplay with conservative political landscapes, novel forms of stigma and discrimination emerge, impacting both prevention and treatment efforts.

This Article Collection aims to examine the complex effects of HIV-related stigma, encompassing a myriad of forms, on the treatment and care of PLHIV. This collection invites contributions from a variety of perspectives, including but not limited to examinations of the effects of stigma and discrimination on PLHIV, particularly in terms of health outcomes, barriers to treatment, and strategies to overcome them. We welcome studies exploring how gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and other socio-economic variables, modulates HIV-stigma experience and both mental and physical health outcomes among different populations and contexts. We are also interested in research on interventions and policies that aim to reduce HIV-related stigma and discrimination, and improve the mental health and well-being of PLHIV through capacity building and social inclusion. Additionally, we welcome articles that develop instruments to assess HIV-related variables, including stigma, adherence to treatment, knowledge, and attitudes.

In line with this publication's commitment to high standards and a global approach, we will seek to ensure that published articles represent diversity in international contexts, disciplinary approaches, and contributors, with particular focus on the Global South and underrepresented populations. Our objective is to promote a worldwide discussion regarding the effects of stigmatisation of individuals living with HIV, enabling readers to understand the intricacies of health inequalities that emerge in diverse settings and populations.

­­All manuscripts submitted to this Article Collection will undergo a full peer-review; the Guest Advisor for this Collection will not be handling the manuscripts (unless they are an Editorial Board member).

Please review the journal scope and author submission instructions prior to submitting a manuscript.

The deadline for submitting manuscripts is 31 January 2026.

Please contact Zhiyuan Zhang at zhiyuan.zhang@taylorandfrancis.com with any queries and discount codes regarding this Article Collection.

Guest Advisors

Dr. Angelo Brandelli Costa Psychologist. Professor at the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Brazil and John Cabot University, Rome. Researches and publishes extensively on social psychology, particularly in areas like prejudice, discrimination, and LGBTQ+ psychology. Has a strong academic presence and is recognized for his work in these fields.

Dr. Guilherme W Wendt Psychologist. Professor at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Brazil. Researches and publishes in the areas of clinical psychology, psychoanalysis, and gender studies. Has a strong academic background, and is known for his work related to gender and sexuality.

Dr. Henrique Pereira Clinical Psychologist, specialist in Clinical and Health Psychology and Sexology, and Full Professor of Clinical Psychology and Sexuality at the University of Beira Interior - UBI, Covilhã (Portugal), Department of Psychology and Education. Holds a doctorate in Clinical Psychology, and a Master’s degree in Health Psychology. Develops work and research in the fields of Psychology, Sexuality, Health, Human Development and Aging.

Dr. Felipe Alckmin-Carvalho Clinical Psychologist. Holds a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (University of São Paulo, Brazil). Currently a Visiting Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology and Education at the University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal, where he is also a post-doctoral researcher. Develops work and research in the fields of Health Psychology, HIV/AIDS, Stigma and Sexuality.