AIDSImpact.com:: - Santa Fe, USA 2011

Abstract #293 - Perception of sources of gay and HIV-related stigma in MSM and their relationship to HIV communication
Authors: Presenting Author: Mr Beau Miller - LIVE CONSORTIUM
Additional Authors: Mr. Pahl Samson, Prof Michael Ross,
Aim: To understand and identify the major sources of anti-gay stigma and HIV stigma, and their relationships to demographic variables and HIV communication styles
Method / Issue: 419 men attending HIV anti-stigma and HIV risk reduction events in Houston, Texas, were surveyed with an anonymous questionnaire asking for demographic details, how they communicated with sexual partners about HIV and safer sex, and beliefs about the major sources of anti-gay stigma, and HIV stigma. Data were subject to factor analysis to identify the latent dimensions of stigma sources.
Results / Comments: Data indicated that there were 3 major sources of anti-Gay stigma perceived: medically-based stigma, authoritatively-based stigma (law, religion, tradition), and socially-based sources. Two dimensions characterized HIV-related stigma: medicine, law, deviance and social attitudes; and poor education, association of HIV with homosexuality, and religion. Approach to communication about HIV status with partners (in person vs electronic) indicated that perceived stigma source was associated with communication medium.
Discussion: These data suggest that there are several broad dimensions of stigmatogenic sources, and that some of these may be modifiable. Perception of strength and type of stigmatizing sources may be associated with type of communication with partners about HIV.
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