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Hiv-Related Stigmatization In Treatment Settings: Effects On Patient Comfort, Risk Disclosure, And Treatment Decisions, Jessica Deanne Naughton

Psychology - Dissertations

The major focus for the present study was to examine the effects of provider stigmatization on the medical care of HIV+ patients, by using an experimental paradigm and examining a conceptual framework to clarify the relationship between provider stigmatization and negative treatment outcomes. Initial qualitative findings from focus groups (n = 18) indicated that several key elements of stigmatizing treatment experiences included judgmental and condescending language, patient avoidance, increased physical distance between patient and provider during conversations and procedures, and use of extra, unnecessary precautions (e.g. use of extra gloves, masks). These provider behaviors were experimentally manipulated and incorporated into …