Health Care Providers' Reports of Perceived Stigma Associated with HIV and AIDS in Rural and Urban Communities

Over 1,500 rural and urban providers in Alaska and New Mexico responded to our survey assessing their perceptions of stigma associated with HIV/AIDS. Findings indicated that providers perceive HIV/AIDS as highly stigmatized and stigmatized more than other physical and mental illnesses. Perceptions of HIV/AIDS stigma varied across community sizes, with highest levels in rural communities and lower levels in urban, small urban, and small rural communities. Across communities, behavioral health care providers reported perceptions of greater stigma associated with HIV, AIDS, and other illnesses than did physical health care providers. Increased stigma in rural communities exacerbates health care disparities faced by rural residents and underscores the need for research on reducing stigma associated with HIV/AIDS.