16% of French people are uncomfortable with the idea of ​​being around an HIV-positive person

It has been 40 years since the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which weakens the immune system and causes AIDS, was discovered. Currently, although therapeutic progress has improved the expectancy and quality of life of patients, the epidemic continues and has not yet been overcome. Preconceived ideas and discrimination against positive people have not dissipated over time either. This is what a survey carried out by the AIDES association and Ifop reveals. As part of the survey, 1,500 adults, i.e. a representative sample of the population living in mainland France aged 18 and over, were recruited. From June 10 to 12, participants answered a questionnaire on HIV, more precisely serophobia, namely the fear and rejection of patients carrying the virus.

HIV: 14% of French people are embarrassed to attend the same office as an HIV-positive patient

In 2024, HIV patients and people at the AIDS stage are still considered a minority to be excluded from society by part of the population. According to the results, the isolation of AIDS patients is supported by 11% of the population (compared to 23% in 1988). “This figure is higher among the youngest (17% of those under 35).” Isolation of adults carrying HIV is supported by 8% of the population. “While a larger proportion of French people indicate that they would continue to see one of their friends if they learned that they were HIV positive (91%, compared to 83% in 1998), less than half of French people (46%) would continue to see a person with whom they were having sex”, can we read in the study.

According to the data, 78% of French people are aware that HIV-positive people are victims of discrimination. This percentage drops to 37% when it comes to discrimination on the part of health professionals. However, HIV-positive adults remain seen as a source of unease in society. As proof: 21% of French people would be uncomfortable knowing that their child’s teacher is HIV positive. In addition, 14% of respondents indicated that they were uncomfortable with the idea of ​​attending the same medical office as an HIV-positive person, 16% with the idea of ​​having an HIV-positive colleague, or being around HIV-positive people.

“Stigma, unacceptable in itself because it destroys lives, is the bedrock of the epidemic”

“Serophobia is still present in French society. The unjustified rejection of HIV-positive people, which is rooted in the ignorance of the French regarding HIV/AIDS, has serious, individual and collective consequences. Stigma, unacceptable in itself because it destroy lives, fuel the HIV/AIDS epidemic The fear of discovering oneself HIV positive, fueled by serophobia, represents a significant obstacle to screening. However, this prevention tool allows for treatment. effective, preventing reaching the AIDS stage and transmitting the virus”, declared Camille Spire, president of the AIDES association.