HIV/AIDS stigma manifestations during clinical interactions with MSM in Puerto Rico

DOI

10.1080/10538720.2018.1548325

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

4-3-2019

Publication Title

Journal of Gay and Lesbian Social Services

Volume

31

Issue

2

First Page

141

Last Page

152

ISSN

10538720

Keywords

behaviors, HIV/AIDS, MSM, physicians, stigma

Abstract

HIV/AIDS stigma can have detrimental effects on physician/patient interactions when manifested by health professionals. Unfortunately, HIV/AIDS stigma is usually manifested in an intersectional manner with other preexisting stigmas, including stigma toward men who have sex with men (MSM). Therefore, our study aimed to examine the behavioral manifestations of HIV/AIDS stigma among physicians in training during simulated clinical interactions with MSM, and explore the interrelation between HIV/AIDS stigma attitudes and behaviors. We implemented an experimental design using Standardized Patient simulations with a sample of 100 physicians in training in Puerto Rico. Results show a significant difference in the two groups’ means (p <.001), with a higher number of stigma behaviors in the HIV MSM patient condition (M = 6.39) than the common cold control condition (M = 5.20). Results evidence that stigma manifestations toward MSM with HIV may continue to be an obstacle for public health in Puerto Rico, and that medical training to prevent stigma is still needed.

Open Access

Green Accepted

Link to Full Text

Share

COinS