HIV-related stigma among health care workers in New Jersey.

HIV-related stigma significantly undermines outcomes along the HIV Prevention and Care Continua for people living with HIV (PLHIV) and for those at risk. Research on the sources of health care provider stigma toward PLHIV has been lacking for 20 years. Eradicating the epidemic requires concerted efforts to identify sources of stigma and develop effective interventions to address them. Using a statewide online survey of 172 respondents, this study provides estimates of the levels and sources of stigma among health care workers in New Jersey. The primary outcome variable of interest was a summary stigmatizing attitudes scale derived from the HIV Stigma and Discrimination Among Health Facility Staff questionnaire. Results indicated low levels of health care–associated stigma overall but suggest areas for improvement and targets of potential interventions. The mean score on the summary attitudes scale was 9.28 (range, 0–18). No consistent set of predictor variables accounted for variations in endorsement of stigmatizing attitudes; however, receipt of training on HIV-related stigma and discrimination in the prior year was associated with a lower score (8.8 vs. 9.7, t(167) = 2.326, p = .021). Overall, the study suggested higher levels of stigma among those with less exposure to PLHIV. It is important for staff members to be aware of, and mitigate, stigmatizing behaviors and attitudes in the workplace to ensure timely access to prevention and treatment services. The study helps to build the evidence base regarding HIV-related stigma across the United States. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved)