A quantitative study of Michigan's criminal HIV exposure law. AIDS Care 2012;24(2):174-9
Date
08/25/2011Pubmed ID
21861631Pubmed Central ID
PMC3428201DOI
10.1080/09540121.2011.603493Scopus ID
2-s2.0-84856882944 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site) 32 CitationsAbstract
The objectives of the project were (1) to determine the extent to which HIV-positive persons living in Michigan were aware of and understood Michigan's criminal HIV exposure law, (2) to examine whether awareness of the law was associated with seropositive status disclosure to prospective sex partners, and, (3) to examine whether awareness of the law was associated with potential negative effects of the law on persons living with HIV (PLWH) including heightened HIV-related stigma, perceived societal hostility toward PLWH, and perceived need to conceal one's HIV infection. The study design was cross-sectional. A statewide sample of 384 PLWH in Michigan completed anonymous pen and paper surveys in 1 of 25 data collection sessions. A majority of participants were aware of Michigan's HIV exposure law. Awareness of the law was not associated with increased seropositive status disclosure to all prospective sex partners, decreased HIV transmission risk behavior, or increased perceived responsibility for HIV transmission prevention. However, awareness of the law was significantly associated with disclosure to a greater proportion of sex partners prior to respondents' first sexual interaction with that partner. Awareness of the law was not associated with increased HIV-related stigma, perceived societal hostility toward PLWH, or decreased comfort with seropositive status disclosure. Evidence of an effect of Michigan's HIV exposure law on seropositive status disclosure was mixed. Further research is needed to examine the various forms of HIV exposure laws among diverse groups of persons living with or at increased risk of acquiring HIV.
Author List
Galletly CL, Pinkerton SD, DiFranceisco WAuthors
Wayne J. DiFranceisco Research Scientist II in the Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine department at Medical College of WisconsinCarol L. Galletly JD, PhD Associate Professor in the Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine department at Medical College of Wisconsin
MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
AdultAged
Criminal Law
Cross-Sectional Studies
Female
HIV Infections
HIV Seropositivity
Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
Humans
Male
Michigan
Middle Aged
Self Disclosure
Sexual Behavior
Sexual Partners
Social Stigma
Young Adult
