A brief HIV stigma reduction intervention for service providers in China

Abstract

This study assessed the effect of a brief intervention aimed at reducing HIV-related stigma among service providers in China. From December 2005 to June 2006, 138 service providers from four county hospitals in the Yunnan province of China were randomly assigned into either an intervention or a control condition. HIV stigma reduction concepts were conveyed through participatory small group activities, including role-plays, games, group discussions, and testimony by an HIV advocate. Participants were assessed at baseline before the intervention, and at 3- and 6-month follow-ups. Data were analyzed using a logistic regression mixed-effects model. Service providers in the brief intervention condition were significantly more likely to report better protection of patients' confidentiality and right to HIV testing, lower levels of negative feelings toward people living with HIV/AIDS, and more accurate understanding and practice of universal precautions. This brief intervention pilot showed potential in reducing HIV stigma and discrimination among service providers in China. Further intervention trials are needed to test the efficacy and long-term outcomes of this intervention.

FIG. 1.

Estimated probabilities over time for (a) keeping patients' HIV status confidential, (b) respecting patients' rights for HIV testing, (c) reducing negative feelings toward people living with HIV/AIDS, and (d) correctly practicing universal precautions. In each plot, the circle and solid line represent the control group and the triangular and dashed line represent the intervention group; 95% confidence intervals are also plotted.