Moreover, basic counseling skills are essential to address
the stigma experienced by PLWH. Stigma management
programs are important tools in this respect, as they lessen
negative attitudes and beliefs about HIV. Given Peterson’s
findings, who cited examples of how PLWH were treated
differently by their family (ie, those related to them by blood
or marriage) when they disclosed their status to them, the
development of family counseling and support programs to
improve the physical and psychological health of individuals
living with HIV and their family is essential.