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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2012 Dec;24(6):574-81.
doi: 10.1521/aeap.2012.24.6.574.

Stereotypes about people living with HIV: implications for perceptions of HIV risk and testing frequency among at-risk populations

Valerie A Earnshaw  1 , Laramie R Smith, Stephenie R Chaudoir, I-Ching Lee, Michael M Copenhaver
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

Stereotypes about people living with HIV: implications for perceptions of HIV risk and testing frequency among at-risk populations

Valerie A Earnshaw et al. AIDS Educ Prev. 2012 Dec.

Abstract

Although research continues to demonstrate that HIV stigma is associated with decreased HIV testing, the psychological processes implicated in this association remain unclear. The authors address this gap by differentiating between the HIV stigma mechanisms of stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination. They hypothesize that HIV stereotypes specifically, more so than prejudice or discrimination, are associated with HIV testing among at-risk populations. Ninety-three HIV-negative people receiving methadone maintenance therapy at a clinic in the northeastern United States participated by completing a survey. Results demonstrated that HIV stereotypes are associated with HIV testing via the mediator of perceived HIV risk. As hypothesized, prejudice, discrimination, and objective HIV risk were not associated with perceived HIV risk. Differentiating between HIV stigma mechanisms in future work can provide critical insight into how to intervene in HIV stigma to increase HIV testing and improve HIV prevention among at-risk populations.

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Figures

FIGURE 1
FIGURE 1
Theoretical model of HIV stigma mechanisms and HIV testing among at-risk populations. Dashed lines represent a hypothesized nonassociation between variables.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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