# Measures of structural stigmatization and discrimination for HIV research with Latine sexual and gender minorities

> **NIH NIH R01** · DREXEL UNIVERSITY · 2024 · $812,946

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
The goal of the proposed research is to develop, validate, and apply measures of state-level structural
stigmatization and discrimination (SSD) for Latino/a/e (“Latine”) and sexual and gender minority (SGM)
populations. Latine SGM persons, specifically men and transgender women who have sex with men, face
inequities in HIV prevention and treatment outcomes. Latine SGM experience multiple, intersecting forms of
stigmatization and discrimination, which research by our team and others has shown to impact HIV-related
outcomes. However, most work has focused on the individual level, while measuring and mitigating these
phenomena at the structural level is a key strategy for Ending the HIV Epidemic in the United States. Studies
of SSD in Latine populations are hampered by a lack of validated measures of anti-Latine SSD, with existing
measures focusing on immigration policy alone. Research on SGM SSD has expanded in recent years but the
field lacks consensus on which domains, constructs, and items to include in analyses and on methods to
ensure rigor and reproducibility of the research. Over this 4-year project, the investigative team led by MPIs
Scheim and del Rio-Gonzalez will work with Scientific and Community Advisory Boards to build consensus on
the domains and constructs needed to assess state-level Latine and SGM SSD through systematic reviews
and a modified Delphi study (Aim 1); draw on the consensus developed in Aim 1 to develop and validate
multidimensional indices of state-level Latine SSD and SGM SSD (Aim 2); and take a structural
intersectionality approach to examine relationships between SSD and HIV prevention and treatment outcomes
among Latine SGM persons (Aim 3). This study will advance the science of SSD by using community-
engaged, rigorous, and reproducible approaches to develop SSD measures for Latine and/or SGM health
equity research across multiple domains of health. We will make the validated indices and their underlying
datasets publicly available for the research community, alongside consensus-based guidelines for selection
and application of SSD measures. A multipronged dissemination and policy translation strategy will ensure the
utility of study products and results for community organizations, researchers, and policymakers working to
improve the health of Latine and/or SGM populations.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 11085507
- **Project number:** 1R01MD020284-01
- **Recipient organization:** DREXEL UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Ayden I Scheim
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $812,946
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2024-09-20 → 2028-05-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/11085507

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 11085507, Measures of structural stigmatization and discrimination for HIV research with Latine sexual and gender minorities (1R01MD020284-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/11085507. Licensed CC0.

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