TITUSVILLE, N.J., Aug. 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Social stigma is
the largest barrier to routine HIV testing by African-American
frontline care physicians, according to a survey commissioned by
Janssen Therapeutics, Division of Janssen Products, LP, in
collaboration with the National Medical Association (NMA).(1)
Despite the belief by most physicians surveyed (93 percent) that
HIV is either very serious or a crisis in the African-American
community, findings suggested that only one-third of all patients
in these physicians’ practices were tested within the past
year.
In the United States, the number of people living with HIV
infection is higher than ever before, and African Americans account
for almost half of all new HIV infections. African Americans also
comprise a higher proportion of new cases compared with members of
other races and ethnicities.(2) Since September 2006, the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended that
diagnostic HIV testing and optional HIV screening be a part of
routine clinical care in all healthcare settings.(3)
“The survey findings tell us that despite HIV education efforts,
the stigma surrounding the disease is still very strong and is a
significant barrier to routine testing among African-American
doctors,” said Wilbert C. Jordan, MD, MPH, Medical Director of the
OASIS Clinic of King/Drew Medical Center and member of the NMA.
“With African Americans more likely to contract HIV than any other
ethnic group, this is particularly concerning as the study
uncovered that most patients decide to get tested based on their
physician’s recommendation. It’s crucial that we educate doctors
and patients by providing the resources they need to make HIV
testing a routine practice.”
Social Stigma is the Main Barrier to Recommending
Testing
The survey found that three of the top five barriers to routine
testing cited by African-American physicians relate to social
stigma. Specifically, physician
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