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Geometric approach to measuring intersectional stigma among black sexual minority men: reliability and validity in an HIV prevention context.

Authors :
Kalichman, Seth C.
Shkembi, Bruno
El-Krab, Renee
Source :
Sexual Health (14485028); 2023, Vol. 20 Issue 5, p441-452, 12p
Publication Year :
2023

Abstract

Background: Stigma and discrimination experiences attributable to multiple intersecting facets of the self (e.g. intersectional stigma) pose substantial challenges to accessing health services, including HIV prevention. While there have been theoretical advances in understanding multiple co-occurring stigmas, there are few psychometric instruments available to assess intersectional stigma. We have developed an approach to assessing intersectional stigma that conceptualises an intersection in geometric terms, defined as the line that connects points on two (or more) stigma dimensions and calculates scores derived from the geometric definition of intersecting lines. Methods: Following pilot studies to derive items and response formats, we administered newly developed enacted stigma (24-items) and anticipated stigma (17-items) scales with attributions to race and sexual minority status for stigma experiences to a sample of 422 Black sexual minority men at risk for HIV recruited through social media platforms. Results: The enacted and anticipated intersectional stigma scales, including subscales representing discrimination, interpersonal and felt stigma demonstrated evidence for reliability and construct validity. The enacted stigma scales were associated with medical mistrust, whereas the anticipated stigma scales predicted perceived barriers to using pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV prevention. Conclusions: The intersectional stigma scales offer greater specificity in measuring stigma experiences attributed to race, sexual minority status and the intersection of racial–sexual minority status. Stigma and discrimination experiences attributable to multiple intersecting facets of the self (e.g. intersectional stigma), including sexual orientation, pose substantial challenges to accessing health services, including HIV prevention. We report a novel approach to assessing intersectional stigma that conceptualises intersections in geometric terms. The geometric intersectional stigma scales were found reliable and valid, offering greater specificity in measuring stigma experiences attributed to multiple intersecting dimensions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
14485028
Volume :
20
Issue :
5
Database :
Complementary Index
Journal :
Sexual Health (14485028)
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
172912593
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1071/SH23021