We sought to determine the association between HIV-related medical mistrust (or belief in HIV conspiracy theories) and educational attainment among Blacks that are living with HIV. We analyzed data from the regional Survey on HIV in the Black Community in Alabama. HIV-related medical mistrust w or HIV Genocidal Conspiracy Theories were reported by majority of the patients. In multivariable analysis, controlling for income, education, and marital status, belief in conspiracy theories or HIV Genocidal Conspiracy Theories were significantly associated with higher education. The HIV-Related Medical Mistrust Scale item was independently associated with higher education. This finding speaks to the need for an improved understanding of the role of HIV related medical mistrust among African Americans to improve uptake of biomedical HIV prevention.
Keywords: African American Patients; HIV conspiracy theories; HIV-related medical mistrust; HIV/AIDS Mistrust.