HIV Health Literacy (HALTRA) Model: A New Model Based on Information and Motivation to Eradicate Social Stigma

Background and Objective: HIV-related health literacy is essential to influence people’s beliefs about HIV/AIDS. It is also expected to reduce social stigma in the community. This study aimed to develop a model of HIV health literacy based on information and motivation toward social stigma in society. Materials and Methods: Cross-sectional designs are applied in these studies, conducted in five administrative areas of Bandung City, West Java Province, Indonesia, between March and April 2023. Sample recruitment used proportional cluster sampling in which one hundred and sixty-one community members participated in this study with criteria: aged more than 19 years old, not having HIV disease, and having the ability to read and use digital communication tools. Data analysis used a structural equation modeling approach. Results: HIV information, situational factors, and motivation influenced HIV health literacy. However, individual beliefs about HIV/AIDS moderated the impact of health literacy on social stigma. The HIV Health Literacy model also has a high goodness of fit index of 0.502. Conclusions: Information and motivation factors effectively shape HIV health literacy in society. Adequate HIV health literacy can help change an individual’s beliefs about HIV to prevent stigma and discrimination, thereby increasing social inclusion. The HIV Health Literacy model can be an alternative reference point in developing community HIV awareness and health literacy strategies.