Examining the effect of internalized HIV-related stigma on perceptions of research participation among HIV-positive African American women.

Abstract

HIV-related stigma may influence ethical concerns in health disparity populations, particularly groups with histories of race, gender, and class oppression in medical research such as African American women. However, a dearth of research has examined how HIV-related stigma influences perceptions of the research process among African American women who participate in health research. The goal of the current study was to examine whether HIV-related stigma experienced on the micro-level, specifically internalized HIV-related stigma, is associated with reactions to research participation in 5 domains: attitudes toward participation, perceptions of research benefits, emotional reactions, perceived drawbacks of the research, and global evaluations of the research. We also examine whether internalized HIV-related stigma is associated with difficulty in answering questions related to sensitive topics. We found that women with higher levels of internalized HIV-related stigma reported more emotional reactions to research, perceived more drawbacks of the research, and expressed more difficulty in answering sensitive questions. Understanding how HIV-related stigma influences perceived risks and benefits of research participation may play an important role in guiding best practices for ethical engagement with HIV-positive African American women who participate in health research.

Tailoring sexual health research practices to meet the needs of adolescent girls in low-and-middle-income countries: findings from Mexico

“…One common ethical issue often raised in trauma-related research is whether the inclusion of sensitive questions heightens psychological distress. Previous research suggests that while reactions to questions of abuse are variable, almost all individuals see bene t of the research for themselves and others, and report that they would be willing to participate in similar research again [27]. Responses from participants in the current study highlight this same idea.…”

Tailoring Sexual Health Research Practices to Meet the Needs of Adolescent Girls in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: Findings from Mexico

“…However, one common ethical issue often raised in trauma-related research is whether the inclusion of sensitive questions heightens psychological distress. Previous research suggests that, while reactions to questions of abuse are variable, almost all individuals see the benefits of the research for themselves and others, and report that they would be willing to participate in similar research again [43]. Responses from participants in the current study highlight this same idea.…”

Using an Equity in Research Framework to Develop a Community-Engaged Intervention to Improve Preexposure Uptake Among Black Women Living in the United States South

“…Barriers to research participation include limited knowledge about research opportunities, transportation, or childcare for potential participants (Bowleg et al, 2022; Luebbert & Perez, 2016; Randolph et al, 2020). Furthermore, myths and stigma about HIV can further decrease Black women's comfort in participating in HIV-related research efforts (Greenwood et al, 2022; Overstreet & Cheeseborough, 2020). These barriers are compounded by Black women not being prioritized in HIV prevention research and overlooked as high-priority participants in clinical trials of PrEP.…”