title: A comparison of MSM stigma, HIV stigma and depression in HIV-positive Latino and African American men who have sex with men (MSM).
abstract: Little research has examined differences in HIV stigma versus MSM stigma and the role of these stigmas in depression for HIV-positive Latino and African American men who have sex with men (MSM), subgroups disproportionately impacted by HIV in the US. MSM stigma, HIV stigma, depression, stress and social support were examined among HIV-positive Latino (n = 100) and African American (n = 99) MSM patients at five HIV clinics in Los Angeles County, California. In multiple regression models, Latino MSM had higher HIV stigma scores (p = 0.002) but lower MSM stigma scores (p < 0.001) compared to African American MSM. General support and stress were associated with HIV stigma (p < 0.001), but not MSM stigma. Both HIV stigma (p < 0.0001) and MSM stigma (p < 0.0001) were associated with depression. These data underscore the differences in experienced stigma for Latino and African American MSM and can be used to shape effective stigma reduction programs and behavioral counseling.
authors.affiliation: Division of HIV and STD Programs, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, 600 S. Commonwealth Avenue, Suite 1920, Los Angeles, CA 90005, USA. awohl@ph.lacounty.gov
authors.forename: Amy Rock
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Wohl
authors.forename: Frank H
authors.initials: FH
authors.lastname: Galvan
authors.forename: Juli-Ann
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Carlos
authors.forename: Hector F
authors.initials: HF
authors.lastname: Myers
authors.forename: Wendy
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Garland
authors.forename: Mallory D
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: Witt
authors.forename: Joseph
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Cadden
authors.forename: Eva
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Operskalski
authors.forename: Wilbert
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Jordan
authors.forename: Sheba
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: George
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001741:Black or African American / Q000523:psychology*; D002140:California / Q000453:epidemiology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003863:Depression / Q000208:ethnology / Q000523:psychology*; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000208:ethnology / Q000523:psychology*; D006630:Hispanic or Latino / Q000523:psychology*; D018451:Homosexuality, Male / Q000208:ethnology / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012747:Sexual Partners; D057545:Social Stigma; D012944:Social Support; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013315:Stress, Psychological; D055815:Young Adult