hivstigma.com, an innovative web-supported stigma-reduction intervention for gay and bisexual men

Abstract

An intervention to address stigma directed toward HIV-positive men and to enhance the sexual health of gay and bisexual men was developed through a community-based process involving HIV prevention workers, public health, government, and researchers. The intervention aimed to diminish stigma, create greater support for HIV-positive men, make disclosure safer and easier, discourage reliance on disclosure to prevent transmission, and encourage testing. The question, “If you were rejected every time you disclosed, would you?� was widely disseminated in the gay community and supported by the website, hivstigma.com, to encourage participation in blog-based discussions. Eight bloggers moderated lively discussions over 5 months. There were 20,844 unique visitors to the site averaging more than 5 minutes each; 4,384 visitors returned more than 10 times. 1,942 men answered a pre-test survey on a popular gay dating site and 1,791, a post-test evaluation. Results show a statistically significant shift among those aware of the intervention toward reduced stigma-related attitudes and behaviors, and toward recognition that HIV positive gay men face stigma in the gay community and that stigma reduces the likelihood of HIV disclosure.