Community stigma, internalized homonegativity, enacted stigma, and HIV testing among young men who have sex with men. Issue 4 (19th February 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Goldenberg, Tamar; Stephenson, Rob; Bauermeister, Jose
• Is Part Of: Journal of community psychology. Volume 46:Issue 4(2018)
• Page Start: 515
• Page End: 528
• Publication Date: 2018-02-19
• Subjects: Clinical psychology -- Periodicals; Social psychiatry -- Periodicals; Community Mental Health Services -- Periodicals; 362.2205
• DOI: 10.1002/jcop.21957
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0090-4392

Abstract

Abstract: HIV testing is an important HIV prevention strategy for young men who have sex with men (YMSM) in the United States, but the relationships between community‐ and individual‐level aspects of sexuality‐related stigma and HIV testing among YMSM are unknown. Data from a cross‐sectional survey included 334 HIV‐negative YMSM in Detroit. Multinomial logistic regression was used to determine if place‐based community prejudice perceptions, internalized homonegativity, and sexuality‐related discrimination were associated with HIV testing. Increased perceptions of community prejudice were associated with lower odds of never testing, while increased internalized homonegativity was associated with greater odds of never testing. Experiences of discrimination had no association with HIV testing. Understanding the influence of sexuality‐related stigma (and especially place‐specific, community‐level stigma) on HIV testing could help improve public health messaging to increase HIV testing among YMSM.