Since the beginning of the AIDS epidemic, when HIV/AIDS appeared to be confined to groups perceived as socially deviant, AIDS has been shrouded in ignorance, fear, and denial. This has led to the stigmatization of People Living With HIV/AIDS (PLWHA), many of whom have lost their jobs, have been denied medical care and housing, and have developed psychosocial disorders (Alaei et al. 2003b). In some cases, individuals with HIV have been exiled from their families and communities (UNAIDS 2002).

In Iran, fear of stigmatization and discrimination has led to a high incidence of suicide among …