Assessing Stigma among African Americans Living with HIV

In the present study, we validated a culturally adapted stigma scale designed to assess stigma among African Americans living with HIV.

We collected data on the scale using an audio computer assisted self-interview (ACASI) format. We validated the scale with a sample of 62 African American participants living with HIV.

Findings demonstrated that stigma can be measured succinctly and effectively in a 14-item scale with two subscales measuring enacted and internalized stigma.

We identified many advantages to using the scale, which demonstrated good psychometric properties when used with an audio computer assisted self-interview format and with an African American sample. We recommend this scale's use in both clinical practice and research study of HIV-stigma reduction interventions with African American populations.