Developing Guidelines for Conducting Stigma Research With Transgender and Nonbinary Individuals: Protocol for...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Social Science Research Methods
• Health Equity

Background:

• HIV stigma research with transgender and nonbinary individuals is increasing.
• Concerns exist about research practices that may unintentionally stigmatize or retraumatize participants.
• There's a need to examine participant experiences and identify strategies to mitigate harm in HIV stigma research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop trauma-informed guidelines for HIV stigma research with transgender and nonbinary individuals.
• To enhance researcher capacity for recruiting and retaining participants.
• To improve data quality and reduce unintentional harm in research methodology.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative interviews with researchers, clinicians, and transgender and nonbinary individuals.
• Development of survey items based on qualitative findings.
• A 3-round modified Delphi method with 75 participants to refine guidelines.

Main Results:

• The study emphasizes the critical importance of a trauma-informed approach in HIV stigma research.
• Findings highlight the need to address stigma within the research context itself.
• Data collection began in January 2023, funded by the National Institute of Mental Health.

Conclusions:

• Examining stigma experiences within research is crucial for progress.
• Strategies are needed to improve data quality and minimize harm in all research phases.
• Implementing trauma-informed guidelines is essential for ethical and effective HIV stigma research.