Intersectional HIV Stigma Among Black Women: Regional Differences and Implications From the Black Women First Initiative

<b>Objectives.</b> To explore intersectional stigma and sociodemographic characteristics, with consideration of US regional differences, among Black women with HIV enrolled in the Black Women First (BWF) initiative. <b>Methods.</b> In this prospective, nonrandomized study, participants' stigma scale responses and sociodemographic data were collected between May 2021 and August 2023. Participants participated in bundled interventions tailored to Black women's needs and local contexts during this time. Repeated measure models, adjusted for site clustering, were conducted with consideration of regional differences. <b>Results.</b> There were significant sociodemographic and baseline stigma differences between Black women residing in the US South and other regions. By the 12-month follow-up timepoint, because of bundled interventions, stigma significantly reduced among Black women, especially women in the South and transgender women. <b>Conclusions.</b> Bundled interventions with stigma-reduction approaches that address intersectional stigma and consider geography may be an effective way to reduce and eliminate stigma for Black women with HIV. <b>Public Health Implications.</b> BWF aligns with the National HIV/AIDS Strategy (2022-2025), promoting the development and expansion of culturally sensitive, evidence-informed interventions to improve Black women's health outcomes. (<i>Am J Public Health</i>. 2025;115(S1):S75-S84. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2025.308037).

Authors

Institutions

Publication Details

Journal
American Journal of Public Health
Published
2025-03-26
DOI
https://doi.org/10.2105/ajph.2025.308037
Citations
5
Primary Topic
HIV/AIDS Research and Interventions
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
6.98
Controls
|||
ALL TIME
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
article

Intersectional HIV Stigma Among Black Women: Regional Differences and Implications From the Black Women First Initiative

Linda Sprague Martínez, Lindsey Furton, Judith C. Scott, Ayesha Umrigar et al.
5 citations
American Journal of Public Health
HIV/AIDS Research and Interventions
6.98
article

Intersectional HIV Stigma Among Black Women: Regional Differences and Implications From the Black Women First Initiative

Linda Sprague Martínez, Lindsey Furton, Judith C. Scott, Ayesha Umrigar, Angela Wangari Walter, Melanie Rocco, Jennifer Wheeler, Clara A. Chen, Gwen Davies, Joanne Latimer, Serena Rajabiun, Madison Kitchen, Natalie A. Solomon-Brimage
article en
5 citations

Abstract

<b>Objectives.</b> To explore intersectional stigma and sociodemographic characteristics, with consideration of US regional differences, among Black women with HIV enrolled in the Black Women First (BWF) initiative. <b>Methods.</b> In this prospective, nonrandomized study, participants' stigma scale responses and sociodemographic data were collected between May 2021 and August 2023. Participants participated in bundled interventions tailored to Black women's needs and local contexts during this time. Repeated measure models, adjusted for site clustering, were conducted with consideration of regional differences. <b>Results.</b> There were significant sociodemographic and baseline stigma differences between Black women residing in the US South and other regions. By the 12-month follow-up timepoint, because of bundled interventions, stigma significantly reduced among Black women, especially women in the South and transgender women. <b>Conclusions.</b> Bundled interventions with stigma-reduction approaches that address intersectional stigma and consider geography may be an effective way to reduce and eliminate stigma for Black women with HIV. <b>Public Health Implications.</b> BWF aligns with the National HIV/AIDS Strategy (2022-2025), promoting the development and expansion of culturally sensitive, evidence-informed interventions to improve Black women's health outcomes. (<i>Am J Public Health</i>. 2025;115(S1):S75-S84. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2025.308037).

American Journal of Public HealthVol. 115(S1)
Health Resources and Services Administration (US)
Good health and well-being
Openalex Percentile: Top 3%
HIV/AIDS Research and Interventions
6.98
AI Navigator

Ask Laika to Summarize, Analyze, and Connect papers live on the map.

Summarize Papers & Methodologies

Extract key findings, datasets, and comparative methods across publications.

Benchmark Rankings & Visual Analytics

Rank top research institutions, authors, funders, topics, and journals by Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) and paper volume with instant charts.

Connect Distant Disciplines

Bridge topological clusters on the map to find hidden collaborative intersections.