Exploring Current Stereotypes and Norms Impacting Sexual Partner HIV-Status Communication

This study sought to explore HIV-related stereotypes and norms that impact HIV-status communication with potential sexual partners. A series of focus groups and in-depth interviews were conducted (N = 59) with HIV-positive and HIV-negative MSM (75%) and Heterosexuals (25%). Findings indicate that HIV stereotypes and stigma remain as barriers to HIV-status discussion. Differences also emerged across groups: 1) HIV-negative MSM were more likely to report engaging in HIV-status communication, 2) HIV-positive MSM described inconsistent HIV-status communication and reported concealing their status at times, and 3) Heterosexuals reported being least likely to engage in HIV-status communication; often using the blanket question "Are you clean?" to encompass all STIs and avoiding direct HIV-status discussion. Overall, findings indicate that many HIV stereotypes and stigma-related communication norms persist that discourage discussion of sexual partners' HIV-status prior to sexual activity.