A Psychometric Evaluation and a Framework Test of the HIV Stigma Mechanisms Scale Among a Population-Based Sample of Men and Women Living with HIV in Central Uganda.

ABSTRACT: HIV stigma is a critical barrier to HIV prevention and care. This study evaluates the psychometric properties of the HIV Stigma Mechanisms Scale (HIV-SMS) among people living with HIV (PLHIV) in central Uganda and tests the underlying framework. Using data from the PATH/Ekkubo study, (n = 804 PLHIV), we assessed the HIV-SMS' reliability and validity (face, content, construct, and convergent). We used multiple regression analyses to test the HIV-SMS' association with health and well-being outcomes. Findings revealed a more specific (5-factor) stigma structure than the original model, splitting anticipated and enacted stigmas into two subconstructs: family and healthcare workers (HW). The 5-factor model had high reliability (α = 0.92-0.98) and supported the convergent validity (r = 0.12-0.42

SUBMITTER: Almeida A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10440247 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature