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

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.

Keywords:

• HIV/AIDS
• MSM
• stigma
• behaviors
• physicians

Disclosure statement

No competing financial interests exist.

Additional information

Funding

This research was funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse [1K022DA035122] to Nelson Varas-Díaz. Dr. Rivera-Segarra was supported by the Research Center for Minority Institutions, National Institutes on Minority Health and Health Disparities [G12MD007579: PI Torres], and the American Psychological Association’s Office of Ethnic Minority Affairs (ProDIGs; PI: Rivera-Segarra). This article does not represent the opinion of the National Institutes of Health or American Psychological Association.