Yale University

Assessing and Addressing Stigma towards PLWHA in Connecticut to Strengthen the Implementation of Evidence-Based Interventions

Principle Investigator(s):

Funder: CIRA
Project period: 10/16/2012 - 10/15/2013
Grant Type: Research

Abstract Text:

Interventions and clinical services delivered within community settings can enhance health and health behaviors among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). However, social devaluation and discrediting associated with HIV, or HIV stigma, is a barrier to the implementation of these interventions and services. PLWHA experience poor health outcomes as a result of previous experiences of discrimination due to HIV (enacted stigma), expectations of future discrimination due to HIV (anticipated stigma), and feeling badly about themselves due to their HIV (internalized stigma). It is critical to understand and enhance aspects of individuals, interpersonal relationships, and communities that provide a buffer to PLWHA from the negative impact of stigma to strengthen the implementation of interventions and services. This project aimed to identify stigma protective factors held by PLWHA residing in Hartford, New Britain, and New Haven.