Political conservatism and social distancing from people living with HIV among Medical students: mediating roles of negative stereotypes and negative Intergroup emotions

Abstract

Background

HIV-related stigma within the health care system is a major barrier preventing people living with HIV (PLWH) from accessing and continuing treatment. Psychosocial factors such as political orientation, personality characteristics, and personal moral values of health care providers have not been adequately investigated. Furthermore, a deeper understanding of the mechanisms and effects of these drivers on social distancing from PLWH is needed. The present study aims to fill these gaps in the literature by examining the stigmatizing attitudes of medical students from the perspective of the inevitability of prejudice.

Method

We sampled 609 medical students in Türkiye. Political orientation, stereotyping attitudes, stigmatizing attitudes, emotional reactions toward PLWH, and social distance from PLWH were assessed via self-reported questionnaires. Multiple regression analysis and serial mediation analysis were used.

Results

Political conservatism correlated significantly with negative stereotypes (r =.29, p <.01) and negative intergroup emotions (r =.35, p =.01). Notably, negative stereotypes were strongly associated with social distancing (r =.41, p <.01). Serial mediation analysis indicated that the total effect of political conservatism on social distancing was significant. The serial indirect association between higher political conservatism and higher social distancing from PLWH was significant (β = 0.07, SE = 0.01, 95% CI [0.05, 0.10]). This association was mediated first by endorsing negative stereotypes about PLWH and then by negative intergroup emotions toward PLWH.

Conclusions

The findings suggest that interventions targeting stereotyping and negative intergroup emotions could reduce discriminatory attitudes and behaviors of medical students, thereby enhancing healthcare delivery to PLWH. Policy measures can focus on the integration of stigma-reduction training and intergroup sensitivity programs in medical education curricula. Furthermore, it may help to address discrimination in the healthcare system and beyond by enhancing understanding of structural and societal factors that drive HIV-related stigma.