[EXPERIENCES RELATED TO AN INTERVENTION TO REDUCE STIGMA RELATED TO HIV / AIDS AMONG MEDICAL STUDENTS IN PUERTO RICO]

HIV-related stigma exists. People with HIV/AIDS have their rights violated and mental/ physical wellbeing hindered. Health professionals (HP) are a primary source of support, however these can also be sources of stigma. Therefore, it is useful to train HP on the consequences of social stigma. We implemented an intervention to reduce stigma related towards HIV/AIDS with 507 medical students. It proved to be an efficacious intervention with reduction in the levels of stigma in our intervention group and significant differences with the control group (p <.05). Creating opportunities for training to address the stigma associated with HIV / AIDS is relevant to community psychology because we collaborate in changing attitudes that can adversely affect the prevention of new infection, adherence to antiretroviral treatment and quality of life.