HIV related stigma, perceived social support and risk of premature atherosclerosis in South Asians.

Objective: This study sought to determine the association between social support and stigma experienced by HIV-positive patients and presence of subclinical cardiovascular disease.

Methods: We implemented a cross sectional study in 67 HIV-positive patients and 52 controls from a community health care center in central India. The participants underwent an in-depth survey and a clinical and laboratory assessment of cardiovascular risk.