Kerman

Researchers are evaluating an online HIV stigma training program aimed at nursing students in Iran to see if it can reduce stigmatizing attitudes and behaviors during simulated clinical visits with patients living with HIV. This study compares the stigma training to an online HIV epidemiology training that does not include content on stigma. The research is motivated by the high burden of HIV in Iran and the significant stigma related to HIV, drug use, and sexuality, which hinders diagnosis and treatment engagement. Nursing students have limited experience with people living with HIV and no prior stigma training, highlighting the need for this intervention. The study involves two online training programs that each take 6 hours to complete over a 4-week period. One group will complete the HIV-related stigma training with simulated patient interactions, while the other group will complete an HIV epidemiology course without stigma content. This randomized controlled trial will compare the impact of these two trainings on nursing students' attitudes and behaviors toward patients living with HIV. Participants will be assessed up to 4 weeks before and after the intervention for stigma scores, behavioral signs of HIV stigma, and empathy levels. The study collects data on how feasible and acceptable the online training is, as well as its preliminary effectiveness in reducing stigma. This research involves collaboration between teams in the USA and Iran and aims to develop a scalable training program to improve HIV care by reducing stigma among healthcare providers.