Stigma associated with AIDS: A meta-analysis

Results of 21 studies determined the degree of stigma associated with AIDS compared to the degree of stigma associated with other comparable conditions. Focused contrast analyses indicate a greater degree of stigma expressed toward individuals with AIDS than toward individuals with other comparable illnesses (r = .22), with college students (r = .23) expressing a slightly higher degree of stigma than health professionals (r = .10). A greater degree of stigma was obtained with scales measuring intended social interaction (r = .26) than was obtained with scales containing items measuring attitudes and values (r = .16). Effect sizes did not differ significantly as a function of the type of control condition used.