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Kerr J, Yigit I, Long DM, Paulino-Ramírez R, Waters J, Hao J, Nyblade L, Varas-Díaz N, Naar S, Bond CL, Budhwani H, Turan JM. HIV and intersectional stigma among people living with HIV and healthcare workers and antiretroviral therapy adherence in the Dominican Republic. Int J STD AIDS 2024:9564624241259801. [PMID: 39037457 DOI: 10.1177/09564624241259801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV-related stigma, discrimination, and social marginalization undermines optimal HIV care outcomes. More research examining the impact of HIV-related stigma, discrimination, other interlocking forms of oppression, and antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence is needed to optimize HIV treatment programming. This study uses data from two clinics in the Dominican Republic to examine client and healthcare worker (HCW) perceptions of HIV and intersectional stigmas among people living with HIV. METHODS Surveys exploring demographics, HIV-related stigma, various dimensions of discrimination (race/ethnicity, HIV status, sexual orientation), healthcare engagement, and medication adherence were collected from 148 clients and 131 HCWs. Analysis of variance was conducted to examine differences in stigma by clinic and logistic regressions were used to determine predictors of optimal client medication adherence. RESULTS Perceived discrimination in healthcare facilities due to clients' sexual orientation retained significance in crude and multivariable logistic regression models and was negatively associated with ART adherence (aOR:0.79; 95% CI:0.66, 0.95). DISCUSSION Findings highlight the importance of implementing strategies to address stigma, discrimination, and social marginalization, particularly within healthcare facilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jelani Kerr
- Department of Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Ibrahim Yigit
- Institute on Digital Health and Innovation, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA
| | - Dustin M Long
- Department of Biostatistics and Data Science, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Robert Paulino-Ramírez
- Instituto de Medicina Tropical and Salud Global, Universidad Iberoamericana (UNIBE), Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
| | - John Waters
- Caribbean Vulnerable Communities Coalition (CVC), Kingston, Jamaica
| | - Jiaying Hao
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Laura Nyblade
- Center for Health Behavior and Implementation Science, Research Triangle Institute (RTI) International, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Nelson Varas-Díaz
- Department of Global and Sociocultural Studies, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Sylvie Naar
- Center for Translational Behavioral Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA
| | - Christyenne L Bond
- Institute on Digital Health and Innovation, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA
| | - Henna Budhwani
- Institute on Digital Health and Innovation, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA
| | - Janet M Turan
- School of Medicine, Koç University, Istanbul, Turkey
- Department of Health Policy and Organization, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
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Oga EA, Stockton MA, Abu-Ba'are GR, Vormawor R, Mankattah E, Endres-Dighe S, Richmond R, Jeon S, Logie CH, Baning E, Saalim K, Torpey K, Nelson LE, Nyblade L. Measuring intersectional HIV, sexual diversity, and gender non-conformity stigma among healthcare workers in Ghana: scale validation and correlates of stigma. BMC Health Serv Res 2024; 24:647. [PMID: 38773589 PMCID: PMC11110277 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-024-11098-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/24/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Men who have sex with men (MSM) are at heightened risk for HIV acquisition, yet they may delay or avoid HIV testing due to intersectional stigma experienced at the healthcare facility (HCF). Few validated scales exist to measure intersectional stigma, particularly amongst HCF staff. We developed the Healthcare Facility Staff Intersectional Stigma Scale (HCF-ISS) and assessed factors associated with stigma in Ghana. METHODS We analyzed baseline data from HCF staff involved in a study testing a multi-level intervention to reduce intersectional stigma experienced by MSM. Data are from eight HCFs in Ghana (HCF Staff n = 200). The HCF-ISS assesses attitudes and beliefs towards same-sex relationships, people living with HIV (PLWH) and gender non-conformity. Exploratory factor analysis assessed HCF-ISS construct validity and Cronbach's alphas assessed the reliability of the scale. Multivariable regression analyses assessed factors associated with intersectional stigma. RESULTS Factor analysis suggested an 18-item 3-factor scale including: Comfort with Intersectional Identities in the Workplace (6 items, Cronbach's alpha = 0.71); Beliefs about Gender and Sexuality Norms (7 items, Cronbach's alpha = 0.72); and Beliefs about PLWH (5 items, Cronbach's alpha = 0.68). Having recent clients who engage in same-gender sex was associated with greater comfort with intersectional identities but more stigmatizing beliefs about PLWH. Greater religiosity was associated with stigmatizing beliefs. Infection control training was associated with less stigma towards PLWH and greater comfort with intersectional identities. CONCLUSIONS Achieving the goal of ending AIDS by 2030 requires eliminating barriers that undermine access to HIV prevention and treatment for MSM, including HCF intersectional stigma. The HCF-ISS provides a measurement tool to support intersectional stigma-reduction interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel A Oga
- RTI International, 3040 East Cornwallis Road, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709-2194, USA.
| | - Melissa A Stockton
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, 1051 Riverside Drive, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Gamji R Abu-Ba'are
- School of Nursing, University of Rochester Medical Center, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Richard Vormawor
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Emmanuel Mankattah
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Stacy Endres-Dighe
- RTI International, 3040 East Cornwallis Road, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709-2194, USA
| | - Ryan Richmond
- RTI International, 3040 East Cornwallis Road, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709-2194, USA
| | - Sangchoon Jeon
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Carmen H Logie
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 1V4, Canada
| | - Emma Baning
- Educational Assessment and Research Center, Accra, Ghana
| | - Khalida Saalim
- RTI International, 3040 East Cornwallis Road, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709-2194, USA
| | - Kwasi Torpey
- School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Laron E Nelson
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- School of Nursing, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Laura Nyblade
- RTI International, 3040 East Cornwallis Road, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709-2194, USA
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Abu-Ba'are GR, Aidoo-Frimpong G, Amu-Adu P, Zigah EY, Stockton M, Amuah S, Amoh-Otoo RP, Nyblade L, Torpey K, Nelson LE. "One pastor advised him to stop taking HIV medication": Promoters and barriers to HIV care among gay, bisexual, and men who have sex with men living with HIV in Ghana. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-4087718. [PMID: 38562846 PMCID: PMC10984093 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4087718/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Introduction Few studies examine Ghanaian gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) experience with HIV diagnoses and linkage to care. This article provides qualitative accounts of promoters and barriers to care among GBMSM living with HIV in Ghana. Methods We recruited and interviewed 10 GBMSM living with HIV in two Ghanaian cities. We transcribed the interviews, coded the data, and used thematic content analysis. Results We found that community and healthcare facility (HCF) level HIV and sexual stigma, confidentiality issues, alternative medicine, and substance use remain the key barriers to care. Other barriers include healthcare system issues such as long wait times and economic problems (e.g., health insurance and financial difficulties). Nonetheless, HCF-level factors such as positive experiences with providers, HIV counseling, and detailed medication information facilitate adherence to care among GBMSM. Conclusion This study highlights the need for interventions that address linkage to care issues, especially substance use, disinformation, and misinformation among GBMSM and other Ghanaian communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gamji Rabiu Abu-Ba'are
- Behavioral, Sexual and Global Health Lab, School of Nursing, University of Rochester Medical Center, University of Rochester
| | | | | | - Edem Yaw Zigah
- Behavioral, Sexual and Global Health Lab, School of Nursing, University of Rochester Medical Center, University of Rochester
| | | | - Samuel Amuah
- Youth Alliance for Health and Human Rights, YAHR
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Ebrahimi H, Atashzadeh Shoorideh F, Reza Sohrabi M, Ebrahimi M, Hosseini M. An Analysis of Approaches to Reduction of HIV Stigma across the World through educational interventions: A Scoping Review. INVESTIGACION Y EDUCACION EN ENFERMERIA 2024; 42:e06. [PMID: 39083818 PMCID: PMC11290898 DOI: 10.17533/udea.iee.v42n1e06] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
Objective To determinate the educational interventions for reducing the stigma caused by HIV worldwide. Methods This scoping review study analyzed all papers published from early 2000 to the end of 2022 by searching all the scientific databases, Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, Cochrane, Embase and CINHAL. The quality assessment of the papers was done using the ROBIS tool checklist. Results 31papers were admitted to the scoping review process. Stigma reduction intervention was founded on three parts: Society, health and therapeutic services providers, and the patients who had HIV and their families. The interventions included education on the reduction of fear, and shame, observation of protective standards, conducting tests and treatment at the above levels, as well as the support provided by the society, policymakers, religious leaders and families of patients in economic, psychological and cultural terms, together with the establishment of social centres and organization of campaigns. Conclusion The stigma associated with HIV is a significant obstacle before treatment, life expectancy and living quality of patients. Therefore, the stigma associated with this disease can be reduced, and the living quality of patients can be raised using approaches such as education of healthcare service providers and afflicted people, as well as economic, social, cultural, and psychological support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamideh Ebrahimi
- 1 Ph.D. Candidate, Student Research Committee, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Foroozan Atashzadeh Shoorideh
- 2 Ph.D. Professor, Department of Psychiatric Nursing and Management, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shahid Labbafinezhad Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mohammad Reza Sohrabi
- 3 Ph.D. Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Shahid Labbafinezhad Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Masoumeh Ebrahimi
- 4 M.Sc. Clinical Research Development Unit of Pirooz Hospital, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Guilan.
| | - Meimanat Hosseini
- 5 Ph.D. Associate Professor, Department of Community Health Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Shen Y, Franks J, Reidy W, Olsen H, Wang C, Mushimbele N, Mazala RT, Tchissambou T, Malele F, Kilundu A, Bingham T, Djomand G, Mukinda E, Ewetola R, Abrams EJ, Teasdale CA. Pre-exposure prophylaxis uptake concerns in the Democratic Republic of the Congo: Key population and healthcare workers perspectives. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0280977. [PMID: 37917646 PMCID: PMC10621847 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0280977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Key populations (KP) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), including female sex workers (SW), are disproportionally affected by HIV. Quantitative feedback surveys were conducted at seven health facilities in DRC with 70 KP clients enrolled in pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) services to measure benefits and concerns. The surveys also assessed satisfaction with PrEP services and experiences of stigma at the health facilities. Thirty healthcare workers (HCW) were surveyed to measure attitudes, beliefs, and acceptability of providing services to KP. KP client survey participants were primarily female SW. KP clients reported that the primary concern about taking PrEP was fear of side effects (67%) although few KP reported having experienced side effect (14%). HCW concurred with clients that experienced and anticipated side effects were a primary PrEP uptake concern, along with costs of clinic visits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanhan Shen
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, New York, NY, United States of America
- Institute for Implementation Science in Population Health, CUNY SPH, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Julie Franks
- ICAP at Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - William Reidy
- ICAP at Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, United States of America
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Halli Olsen
- ICAP at Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Chunhui Wang
- ICAP at Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, United States of America
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Trista Bingham
- Division of Global HIV & TB, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - Gaston Djomand
- Division of Global HIV & TB, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - Elie Mukinda
- Democratic Republic of the Congo Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Kinshasa, DRC
| | - Raimi Ewetola
- Democratic Republic of the Congo Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Kinshasa, DRC
| | - Elaine J. Abrams
- ICAP at Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, United States of America
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Chloe A. Teasdale
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, New York, NY, United States of America
- Institute for Implementation Science in Population Health, CUNY SPH, New York, NY, United States of America
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, United States of America
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Ferguson L, Gruskin S, Bolshakova M, Rozelle M, Yagyu S, Kasoka K, Oraro-Lawrence T, Motala A, Stackpool-Moore L, Hempel S. Systematic review and quantitative and qualitative comparative analysis of interventions to address HIV-related stigma and discrimination. AIDS 2023; 37:1919-1939. [PMID: 37352492 PMCID: PMC10552822 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000003628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2023] [Revised: 06/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023]
Abstract
A strong global commitment exists to eliminate HIV-related stigma and discrimination, and multiple strategies to reduce or eliminate stigma and discrimination have been tried. Using a PICOTS framework and applying the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) criteria, we undertook a systematic review to determine the success of interventions aiming to address internalized stigma, stigma and discrimination in healthcare, and at the legal or policy level, and to identify their critical success factors. Random effects meta-analyses summarized results wherever possible. We carried out a component analysis to identify and characterize successful interventions. Internalized stigma interventions were diverse: across all studies, we found a reduction of stigma but it was not statistically significant [standardized mean difference (SMD) 0.56; confidence interval (CI) 0.31-1.02; 17 studies). For interventions to address stigma and discrimination in healthcare settings, effect estimates varied considerably but most studies showed positive effects (SMD 0.71; CI 0.60-0.84, 8 studies). Boosted regression analyses found that a combined approach comprising education, counseling, community participation, support person, and access to a HIV specialist often yielded success. Studies of efforts to address stigma and discrimination through law and policy documented, mostly qualitatively, the effect of court cases and directives. Across a range of settings and populations, promising interventions have been identified that, through diverse pathways, have positively impacted the types of stigma and discrimination studied. This evidence base must be built upon and brought to scale to help reach global HIV-related targets and, most importantly, improve the health and quality of life of people with HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Ferguson
- Institute on Inequalities in Global Health, University of Southern California
| | - Sofia Gruskin
- Institute on Inequalities in Global Health, University of Southern California
| | - Maria Bolshakova
- Southern California Evidence Review Center, Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Mary Rozelle
- Southern California Evidence Review Center, Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Sachi Yagyu
- Southern California Evidence Review Center, Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | | | | | - Aneesa Motala
- Southern California Evidence Review Center, Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | | | - Susanne Hempel
- Southern California Evidence Review Center, Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
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Watt MH, Minja LM, Barabara M, Mlay P, Stephens MJ, Olomi G, Mlay J, Marchand V, Mmbaga BT, Hanson OR, Cohen SR. A simulation and experiential learning intervention for labor and delivery providers to address HIV stigma during childbirth in Tanzania: study protocol for the evaluation of the MAMA intervention. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2023; 23:181. [PMID: 36927460 PMCID: PMC10018883 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-023-05482-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The experience of HIV stigma during intrapartum care can impact women's trust in the health care system and undermine their long-term commitment to HIV care engagement. Delivery of respectful maternity care (RMC) to women living with HIV (WLHIV) can improve quality of life and clinical outcomes. The goal of this study is to conduct an evaluation of MAMA (Mradi wa Afya ya Mama Mzazi, Project to Support the Health of Women Giving Birth), a simulation team-training curriculum for labor and delivery providers that addresses providers' instrumental and attitudinal stigma toward WLHIV and promotes the delivery of evidence-based RMC for WLHIV. METHODS The MAMA intervention will be evaluated among healthcare providers across six clinics in the Kilimanjaro Region of Tanzania. To evaluate the impact of MAMA, we will enroll WLHIV who give birth in the facilities before (n = 103 WLHIV) and after (n = 103 WLHIV) the intervention. We will examine differences in the primary outcome (perceptions of RMC) and secondary outcomes (postpartum HIV care engagement; perceptions of HIV stigma in the facility; internal HIV stigma; clinical outcomes and evidence-based practices) between women enrolled in the two time periods. Will also assess participating providers (n = 60) at baseline, immediate post, 1-month post training, and 2-month post training. We will examine longitudinal changes in the primary outcome (practices of RMC) and secondary outcomes (stigma toward WLHIV; self-efficacy in delivery intrapartum care). Quality assurance data will be collected to assess intervention feasibility and acceptability. DISCUSSION The implementation findings will be used to finalize the intervention for a train-the-trainer model that is scalable, and the outcomes data will be used to power a multi-site study to detect significant differences in HIV care engagement. TRIAL REGISTRATION The trial is registered at clinicaltrials.gov, NCT05271903.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa H. Watt
- grid.223827.e0000 0001 2193 0096Intermountain Healthcare, Department of Population Health Sciences, Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine, University of Utah, 295 Chipeta Way, Salt Lake, UT 84102 USA
| | - Linda M. Minja
- grid.412898.e0000 0004 0648 0439Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Mariam Barabara
- grid.412898.e0000 0004 0648 0439Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Pendo Mlay
- grid.415218.b0000 0004 0648 072XDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Center, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Maya J. Stephens
- grid.223827.e0000 0001 2193 0096Intermountain Healthcare, Department of Population Health Sciences, Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine, University of Utah, 295 Chipeta Way, Salt Lake, UT 84102 USA
| | | | - Janeth Mlay
- grid.412898.e0000 0004 0648 0439Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Virginie Marchand
- grid.26009.3d0000 0004 1936 7961School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham NC, USA
| | - Blandina T. Mmbaga
- grid.412898.e0000 0004 0648 0439Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Olivia R. Hanson
- grid.223827.e0000 0001 2193 0096Intermountain Healthcare, Department of Population Health Sciences, Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine, University of Utah, 295 Chipeta Way, Salt Lake, UT 84102 USA
| | - Susanna R. Cohen
- grid.223827.e0000 0001 2193 0096Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT USA
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Bose DL, Hundal A, Singh S, Singh S, Seth K, Hadi SU, Saran A, Joseph J, Goyal K, Salve S. Evidence and gap map report: Social and Behavior Change Communication (SBCC) interventions for strengthening HIV prevention and research among adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). CAMPBELL SYSTEMATIC REVIEWS 2023; 19:e1297. [PMID: 36911864 PMCID: PMC9831290 DOI: 10.1002/cl2.1297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adolescent girls and young women (AGYW), aged 15-24 years, are disproportionately affected by HIV and other sexual and reproductive health (SRH) risks due to varying social, cultural, and economic factors that affect their choices and shape their knowledge, understanding, and practices with regard to their health. Socio-Behavioral Change Communication (SBCC) interventions targeted at strengthening the capabilities of individuals and their networks have supported the demand and uptake of prevention services and participation in biomedical research. However, despite growing global recognition of the domain, high-quality evidence on the effectiveness of SBCC remains scattered. This evidence and gap map (EGM) report characterizes the evidence base on SBCC interventions for strengthening HIV Prevention and Research among AGYW in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), identifying evidence gaps and outlining the scope of future research and program design. OBJECTIVES The objectives of the proposed EGM are to: (a) identify and map existing EGMs in the use of diverse SBCC strategies to strengthen the adoption of HIV prevention measures and participation in research among AGYW in LMICs and (b) identify areas where more interventions and evidence are needed to inform the design of future SBCC strategies and programs for AGYW engagement in HIV prevention and research. METHODS This EGM is based on a comprehensive search of systematic reviews and impact evaluations corresponding to a range of interventions and outcomes-aimed at engaging AGYW in HIV prevention and research - that were published in LMICs from January 2000 to April 2021. Based on guidance for producing a Campbell Collaboration EGM, the intervention and outcome framework was designed in consultation with a group of experts. These interventions were categorized across four broad intervention themes: mass-media, community-based, interpersonal, and Information Communication and Technology (ICT)/Digital Media-based interventions. They were further sub-categorized into 15 intervention categories. Included studies looked at 23 unique behavioral and health outcomes such as knowledge attitude and skills, relationship dynamics, household dynamics, health care services, and health outcomes and research engagement. The EGM is presented as a matrix in which the rows are intervention categories/sub-categories, and the columns are outcome domains/subdomains. Each cell is mapped to an intervention targeted at outcomes. Additional filters like region, country, study design, age group, funding agency, influencers, population group, publication status, study confidence, setting, and year of publication have been added. SELECTION CRITERIA To be eligible, studies must have tested the effectiveness of SBCC interventions at engaging AGYW in LMICs in HIV prevention and research. The study sample must have consisted of AGYW between the ages of 15-24, as defined by UNAIDS. Both experimental (random assignment) and quasi-experimental studies that included a comparison group were eligible. Relevant outcomes included those at the individual, influencer, and institutional levels, along with those targeting research engagement and prevention-related outcomes. RESULTS This EGM comprises 415 impact evaluations and 43 systematic reviews. Interventions like peer-led interactions, counseling, and community dialogues were the most dominant intervention sub-types. Despite increased digital penetration use of media and technology-driven interventions are relatively less studied. Most of the interventions were delivered by peers, health care providers, and educators, largely in school-based settings, and in many cases are part of sex-education curricula. Evidence across geographies was mostly concentrated in Sub-Saharan Africa (70%). Most measured outcomes focused on disease-related knowledge dissemination and enhancing awareness of available prevention options/strategies. These included messaging around consistent condom use, limiting sexual partners, routine testing, and awareness. Very few studies were able to include psychographic, social, and contextual factors influencing AGYW health behaviors and decisions, especially those measuring the impact of social and gender norms, relationship dynamics, and household dynamics-related outcomes. Outcomes related to engagement in the research were least studied. CONCLUSION This EGM highlights that evidence is heavily concentrated within the awareness-intent spectrum of behavior change and gets lean for outcomes situated within the intent-action and the action-habit formation spectrum of the behavior change continuum. Most of the evidence was concentrated on increasing awareness, knowledge, and building risk perception around SRH domains, however, fewer studies focused on strengthening the agency and self-efficacy of individuals. Similarly, evidence on extrinsic factors-such as strengthening social and community norms, relationships, and household dynamics-that determine individual thought and action such as negotiation and life skills were also found to be less populated. Few studies explore the effectiveness of these interventions across diverse AGYW identities, like pregnant women and new mothers, sex workers, and people living with HIV, leading to limited understanding of the use of these interventions across multiple user segments including key influencers such as young men, partners, families, religious leaders, and community elders was relatively low. There is a need for better quality evidence that accounts for the diversity of experiences within these populations to understand what interventions work, for whom, and toward what outcome. Further, the evidence for use of digital and mass-media tools remains poorly populated. Given the increasing penetration of these tools and growing media literacy on one end, with widening gender-based gaps on the other, it is imperative to gather more high-quality evidence on their effectiveness. Timely evidence generation can help leverage these platforms appropriately and enable intervention designs that are responsive to changing communication ecologies of AGYW. SBCC can play a critical role in helping researchers meaningfully engage and collaborate with communities as equal stakeholders, however, this remains poorly evidenced and calls for investigation and investment. A full list of abbreviations and acronyms are available in Supporting Information: Appendix F.
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Muwanguzi PA, Nabunya R, Karis VMS, Nabisere A, Nangendo J, Mujugira A. Nurses' reflections on caring for sexual and gender minorities pre-post stigma reduction training in Uganda. BMC Nurs 2023; 22:50. [PMID: 36823533 PMCID: PMC9947888 DOI: 10.1186/s12912-023-01208-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TGW) have a significant HIV burden worldwide. Data from eight countries across sub-Saharan Africa found a pooled HIV prevalence of 14% among MSM and 25% among TGW. Stigma and discrimination among healthcare providers are barriers to healthcare access by these populations. We sought to explore nurses' attitudes before and after sensitivity training to reduce stigma in HIV prevention and care provision to MSM and transgender persons in Uganda. METHODS An explorative qualitative study comprising in-depth interviews. Nineteen nurses who underwent sensitivity training in caring for the vulnerable, priority and key populations in Uganda participated. We interviewed each participant before and after the stigma reduction training and analyzed the data with NVivo. RESULTS Eight (8) themes emerged from the reflections before the training, namely, 'the definition of MSM and transgender persons', 'legal concerns', 'mental illness', 'attitude in health care provision', 'personal perceptions', 'self-efficacy', 'insufficient training preparation', and 'reasons for gender or sexual orientation preference'. The post-training reflections suggested a change in knowledge and attitude. Five themes emerged for MSM: 'stigma reduction', 'sexual practices and sexuality', 'the need for tailored health approaches', 'MSM and the law' and 'corrected misconceptions'. For transmen, 'reproductive health needs', 'social needs', 'safety needs', 'Gender identity recognition' and 'reduced stigma, discrimination, and barriers to care'. Finally, the reflections on their attitudes towards transwomen were on five topics; Gender affirming care', 'Healthcare provision for transwomen', 'Need for further training', 'New knowledge acquired', and 'Sexual violence'. CONCLUSION Nurses' attitudes and empathy for vulnerable and key populations improved following the training. Nursing training programs should consider incorporating sexual and gender minority (SGM) specific health training into their curricula to decrease negative attitudes. There is a need to identify best practices and conduct implementation research to provide culturally sensitive and affirming healthcare delivery in sub-Saharan Africa. Future studies should evaluate the effect of provider sensitivity training on sexual health and HIV outcomes for SGM. Furthermore, interventions targeting higher-level stigma, such as structural and policy levels, are critical because they influence interpersonal stigma reduction efforts and initiatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patience A. Muwanguzi
- Department of Nursing, School of Health Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, P. O. Box 7072, Uganda
| | - Racheal Nabunya
- Department of Nursing, School of Health Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, P. O. Box 7072, Uganda
| | - Victoria M. S. Karis
- Department of Nursing, School of Health Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, P. O. Box 7072, Uganda
| | - Allen Nabisere
- Department of Nursing, School of Health Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, P. O. Box 7072, Uganda
| | - Joan Nangendo
- Clinical Epidemiology Unit, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, P.O. BOX 7072, Uganda
| | - Andrew Mujugira
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, P. O Box 22418, Uganda
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10
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Watt MH, Cohen SR, Minja LM, Barabara M, Mlay P, Stephens MJ, Olomi G, Mlay J, Marchand V, Mmbaga BT. A simulation and experiential learning intervention for labor and delivery providers to address HIV stigma during childbirth in Tanzania: Study protocol for the evaluation of the MAMA intervention. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-2285235. [PMID: 36778232 PMCID: PMC9915785 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-2285235/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Background : The experience of HIV stigma during intrapartum care can impact women's trust in the health care system and undermine their long-term commitment to HIV care engagement. Delivery of respectful maternity care (RMC) to WLHIV can improve quality of life and clinical outcomes. The goal of this study is to conduct an evaluation of MAMA (Mradi wa Afya ya Mama Mzazi, Project to Support the Health of Women Giving Birth), a simulation team-training curriculum for labor and delivery providers that addresses providers' instrumental and attitudinal stigma toward WLHIV and promotes the delivery of evidence-based RMC for WLHIV. Methods : The MAMA intervention will be evaluated among healthcare providers across six clinics in the Kilimanjaro Region of Tanzania. To evaluate the impact of MAMA, we will enroll WLHIV who give birth in the facilities before (n=103 WLHIV) and after (n=103 WLHIV) the intervention. We will examine differences in the primary outcome (perceptions of RMC) and secondary outcomes (postpartum HIV care engagement; perceptions of HIV stigma in the facility; internal HIV stigma; clinical outcomes and evidence-based practices) between women enrolled in the two time periods. Will also assess participating providers (n=60) at baseline, immediate post, 1-month post training, and 2-month post training. We will examine longitudinal changes in the primary outcome (practices of RMC) and secondary outcomes (stigma toward WLHIV; self-efficacy in delivery intrapartum care). Quality assurance data will be collected to assess intervention feasibility and acceptability. Discussion : The implementation findings will be used to finalize the intervention for a train-the-trainer model that is scalable, and the outcomes data will be used to power a multi-site study to detect significant differences in HIV care engagement. Trial Registration : The trial is registered at clinicaltrials.gov, NCT05271903.
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11
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Meek C, Mulenga DM, Edwards P, Inambwae S, Chelwa N, Mbizvo MT, Roberts ST, Subramanian S, Nyblade L. Health worker perceptions of stigma towards Zambian adolescent girls and young women: a qualitative study. BMC Health Serv Res 2022; 22:1253. [PMID: 36253747 PMCID: PMC9575270 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-022-08636-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The high prevalence of HIV among adolescent girls and young women aged 15–24 in Eastern and Southern Africa indicates a substantial need for accessible HIV prevention and treatment services in this population. Amidst this need, Zambia has yet to meet global testing and treatment targets among adolescent girls and young women living with HIV. Increasing access to timely, high-quality HIV services in this population requires addressing the intensified anticipated and experienced stigma that adolescent girls and young women often face when seeking HIV care, particularly stigma in the health facility setting. To better understand the multi-level drivers and manifestations of health facility stigma, we explored health workers’ perceptions of clinic- and community-level stigma against adolescent girls and young women seeking sexual and reproductive health, including HIV, services in Lusaka, Zambia. Methods We conducted 18 in-depth interviews in August 2020 with clinical and non-clinical health workers across six health facilities in urban and peri-urban Lusaka. Data were coded in Dedoose and thematically analyzed. Results Health workers reported observing manifestations of stigma driven by attitudes, awareness, and institutional environment. Clinic-level stigma often mirrored community-level stigma. Health workers clearly described the negative impacts of stigma for adolescent girls and young women and seemed to generally express a desire to avoid stigmatization. Despite this lack of intent to stigmatize, results suggest that community influence perpetuates a lingering presence of stigma, although often unrecognized and unintended, in health workers and clinics. Conclusions These findings demonstrate the overlap in health workers’ clinic and community roles and suggest the need for multi-level stigma-reduction approaches that address the influence of community norms on health facility stigma. Stigma-reduction interventions should aim to move beyond fostering basic knowledge about stigma to encouraging critical thinking about internal beliefs and community influence and how these may manifest, often unconsciously, in service delivery to adolescent girls and young women. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12913-022-08636-5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Meek
- Center for Health Analytics, Media, and Policy, RTI International, Washington, DC, USA. .,Department of Health Behavior, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
| | | | - Patrick Edwards
- Health Care Financing and Payment Program, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | | | | | | | - Sarah T Roberts
- Women's Global Health Imperative, RTI International, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Sujha Subramanian
- Public Health Research Division, RTI International, Waltham, MA, USA
| | - Laura Nyblade
- Global Health Division, RTI International, Washington, DC, USA
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12
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Nyblade L, Stockton MA, Saalim K, Rabiu Abu‐Ba'are G, Clay S, Chonta M, Dada D, Mankattah E, Vormawor R, Appiah P, Boakye F, Akrong R, Manu A, Gyamerah E, Turner D, Sharma K, Torpey K, Nelson LE. Using a mixed-methods approach to adapt an HIV stigma reduction to address intersectional stigma faced by men who have sex with men in Ghana. J Int AIDS Soc 2022; 25 Suppl 1:e25908. [PMID: 35818873 PMCID: PMC9274363 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In Ghana, men who have sex with men (MSM) are estimated to be 11 times more likely to be living with HIV than the general population. Stigmas at the intersection of HIV, same-sex and gender non-conformity are potential key drivers behind this outsized HIV disease burden. Healthcare workers (HCWs) are essential to HIV prevention, care and treatment and can also be sources of stigma for people living with HIV and MSM. This article describes the process and results of adapting an evidence-based HIV stigma-reduction HCW training curriculum to address HIV, same-sex and gender non-conformity stigma among HCWs in the Greater Accra and Ashanti regions, Ghana. METHODS Six steps were implemented from March 2020 to September 2021: formative research (in-depth interviews with stigma-reduction trainers [n = 8] and MSM living with HIV [n = 10], and focus group discussions with HCWs [n = 8] and MSM [n = 8]); rapid data analysis to inform a first-draft adapted curriculum; a stakeholder adaptation workshop; triangulation of adaptation with HCW baseline survey data (N = 200) and deeper analysis of formative data; iterative discussions with partner organizations for further refinement; external expert review; and final adaptation with the teams of HCWs and MSM being trained to deliver the curriculum. RESULTS Key themes emerging under four immediately actionable drivers of health facility intersectional stigma (awareness, fear, attitudes and facility environment) informed the adaptation of the HIV training curriculum. Based on the findings, existing curriculum exercises were placed in one of four categories: (1) Expand-existing exercises that needed modifications to incorporate deeper MSM and gender non-conformity stigma content; (2) Generate-new exercises to fill gaps; (3) Maintain-exercises to keep with no modifications; and (4) Eliminate-exercises that could be dropped given training time constraints. New exercises were developed to address gender norms, the belief that being MSM is a mental illness and stigmatizing attitudes towards MSM. CONCLUSIONS Getting to the "heart of stigma" requires understanding and responding to both HIV and other intersecting stigma targeting sexual and gender diversity. Findings from this study can inform health facility stigma reduction programming not only for MSM, but also for other populations affected by HIV-related and intersectional stigma in Ghana and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Nyblade
- Global Health DivisionInternational Development GroupRTI InternationalWashingtonDCUSA
| | - Melissa A. Stockton
- Department of PsychiatryColumbia University Irving Medical CenterNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Khalida Saalim
- Global Health DivisionInternational Development GroupRTI InternationalWashingtonDCUSA
| | - Gamji Rabiu Abu‐Ba'are
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDSSchool of Public HealthYale UniversityNew HavenConnecticutUSA
| | - Sue Clay
- 3C Regional ConsultantsZambiaAfrica
| | | | - Debbie Dada
- School of NursingYale UniversityNew HavenConnecticutUSA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Adom Manu
- Department of PopulationFamily & Reproductive HealthSchool of Public HealthUniversity of GhanaLegon‐AccraGhana
| | | | - DeAnne Turner
- College of NursingUniversity of South FloridaTampaFloridaUSA
| | - Karan Sharma
- Factor‐Inwentash Faculty of Social WorkUniversity of TorontoTorontoOntarioCanada
| | - Kwasi Torpey
- Department of PopulationFamily & Reproductive HealthSchool of Public HealthUniversity of GhanaLegon‐AccraGhana
| | - LaRon E. Nelson
- 3C Regional ConsultantsZambiaAfrica
- School of NursingYale UniversityNew HavenConnecticutUSA
- Yale Institute for Global HealthSchool of Public HealthNew HavenConnecticutUSA
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13
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Li X, Qiao S, Yang X, Harrison SE, Tam CC, Shen Z, Zhou Y. A Resilience-Based Intervention to Mitigate the Effect of HIV-Related Stigma: Protocol for a Stepped Wedge Cluster Randomized Trial. Front Public Health 2022; 10:857635. [PMID: 35425746 PMCID: PMC9001957 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.857635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Despite decades of global efforts to tackle HIV-related stigma, previous interventions designed to reduce stigma have had limited effects that were typically in the small- to-moderate range. The knowledge gaps and challenges for combating HIV-related stigma are rooted both in the complexity of the stigma and in the limitations of current conceptualizations of stigma reduction efforts. Recent research has shown the promise of resilience-based approaches that focus on the development of strengths, competencies, resources, and capacities of people living with HIV (PLWH) and their key supporting systems (e.g., family members and healthcare providers) to prevent, reduce, and mitigate the negative effects of stigma. However, the resilience-based approach, while hypothesized, has rarely been empirically tested in large intervention trials, especially in resource-limited settings. Methods In this study, we propose to develop, implement, and evaluate a theory-guided, multilevel, multimodal resilience-based intervention via a stepped wedge cluster randomized trial among 800 PLWH and their biological or surrogate family members, as well as 320 healthcare providers in Guangxi, China with a longitudinal follow-up period of 36 months at 6-month intervals. The primary outcome will be viral suppression and the intermediate outcomes will include perceived stress and medication adherence of PLWH as well as resilience measures at the level of the individual, the family, and the healthcare system. Discussion The proposed study will be one of the first large scale efforts to examine whether resilience among PLWH can be fostered and sustained through a multilevel and multi-component HIV-related stigma intervention and whether a resilience-based intervention can improve clinical outcomes and quality of HIV care among PLWH in a low-resource setting. If efficacious, the intervention components could be tailored to other groups of PLWH and adapted for other low- and middle-income countries. Trial Registration This trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, registration number NCT05174936, registered 13 December 2021. https://register.clinicaltrials.gov/prs/app/action/LoginUser?ts=3&cx=-jg9qo2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoming Li
- South Carolina SmartState Center for Healthcare Quality, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States.,Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Shan Qiao
- South Carolina SmartState Center for Healthcare Quality, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States.,Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Xueying Yang
- South Carolina SmartState Center for Healthcare Quality, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States.,Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Sayward E Harrison
- South Carolina SmartState Center for Healthcare Quality, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States.,Department of Psychology, College of Arts and Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Cheuk Chi Tam
- South Carolina SmartState Center for Healthcare Quality, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States.,Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Zhiyong Shen
- Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Guangxi, China
| | - Yuejiao Zhou
- Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Guangxi, China
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14
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Ndirangu JW, Gichane MW, Browne FA, Bonner CP, Zule WA, Cox EN, Smith KM, Carney T, Wechsberg WM. ‘We have goals but [it is difficult]’. Barriers to antiretroviral therapy adherence among women using alcohol and other drugs living with HIV in South Africa. Health Expect 2022; 25:754-763. [PMID: 35060260 PMCID: PMC8957738 DOI: 10.1111/hex.13422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Methods Results Conclusion Patient or Public Contribution
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline W. Ndirangu
- Substance Use, Gender, and Applied Research Program, RTI International Research Triangle Park North Carolina USA
| | - Margaret W. Gichane
- Substance Use, Gender, and Applied Research Program, RTI International Research Triangle Park North Carolina USA
| | - Felicia A. Browne
- Substance Use, Gender, and Applied Research Program, RTI International Research Triangle Park North Carolina USA
- Gillings School of Global Public Health University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill North Carolina USA
| | - Courtney P. Bonner
- Substance Use, Gender, and Applied Research Program, RTI International Research Triangle Park North Carolina USA
- Gillings School of Global Public Health University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill North Carolina USA
| | - William A. Zule
- Substance Use, Gender, and Applied Research Program, RTI International Research Triangle Park North Carolina USA
| | - Erin N. Cox
- Substance Use, Gender, and Applied Research Program, RTI International Research Triangle Park North Carolina USA
| | - Kevin M. Smith
- Gillings School of Global Public Health University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill North Carolina USA
| | - Tara Carney
- Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Research Unit South African Medical Research Council Tygerberg South Africa
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health University of Cape Town Rondebosch Cape Town South Africa
| | - Wendee M. Wechsberg
- Substance Use, Gender, and Applied Research Program, RTI International Research Triangle Park North Carolina USA
- Gillings School of Global Public Health University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill North Carolina USA
- Department of Psychology North Carolina State University Raleigh North Carolina USA
- Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Duke University School of Medicine Durham North Carolina USA
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15
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Nelson LE, Nyblade L, Torpey K, Logie CH, Qian HZ, Manu A, Gyamerah E, Boakye F, Appiah P, Turner D, Stockton M, Abubakari GM, Vlahov D. Multi-level intersectional stigma reduction intervention to increase HIV testing among men who have sex with men in Ghana: Protocol for a cluster randomized controlled trial. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0259324. [PMID: 34843529 PMCID: PMC8629287 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0259324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Men with have sex with men (MSM) in Africa face high levels of stigma due to elevated HIV exposure (actual or perceived), same-sex practices, and gender non-conformity. These stigmas are documented barriers to HIV prevention and treatment. Most stigma-reduction interventions have focused on single-level targets (e.g., health care facility level [HCF]) and addressed one type of stigma (e.g., HIV), without engaging the multiple intersecting stigmas that MSM encounter. Determining the feasibility and acceptability of multi-level intervention of reducing intersectional stigma and estimating its efficacy on increasing HIV testing are needed. METHODS We proposed a mixed method study among MSM in Ghana. First, we will develop the intervention protocol using the Convergence Framework, which combines three interventions that were previously implemented separately in Ghana for reducing stigma at the HCF-level, increasing HIV testing at the peer group-level, and increasing peer social support at the individual-level. Then, we will conduct a cluster randomized controlled trial with four pairs of HCFs matched on staff size. HCFs within each pair are randomized to the HCF-level stigma-reduction intervention or control arm. MSM (n = 216) will be randomized to receive the group-level and individual-level interventions or standard of care control arm. MSM will be assigned to receive HIV testing at one of the HCFs that match their study assignment (intervention or control facility). The frequency of HIV testing between MSM in the study arms at 3 and 6 months will be compared, and the predictors of HIV testing uptake at the HCF, peer group and individual-levels will be assessed using multi-level regression models. DISCUSSION These findings from this study will provide important evidence to inform a hybrid implementation-effectiveness trial of a public health intervention strategy for increasing HIV case detection among key populations in sub-Saharan African communities. Accurate information on HIV prevalence can facilitate epidemic control through more precise deployment of public health measures aimed at HIV treatment and viral load suppression, which eliminates risk of transmission. TRIAL REGISTRATION This study was prospectively registered on ClinicalTrials.gov, Identifier: NCT04108078, on September 27, 2019.
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Affiliation(s)
- LaRon E. Nelson
- School of Nursing, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States of America
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS, School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States of America
- Yale Institute for Global Health, School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, United States of America
| | - Laura Nyblade
- RTI International, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Kwasi Torpey
- Department of Population, Family & Reproductive Health, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Carmen H. Logie
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Han-Zhu Qian
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States of America
| | - Adom Manu
- Department of Population, Family & Reproductive Health, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Emma Gyamerah
- Educational Assessment & Research Center, Accra, Ghana
| | | | | | - DeAnne Turner
- College of Nursing, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States of America
| | - Melissa Stockton
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Gamji M. Abubakari
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS, School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States of America
| | - David Vlahov
- School of Nursing, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States of America
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16
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Nyblade L, Srinivasan K, Raj T, Oga EA, Heylen E, Mazur A, Devadass D, Steward WT, Pereira M, Ekstrand ML. HIV Transmission Worry Predicts Discrimination Intentions Among Nursing Students and Ward Staff in India. AIDS Behav 2021; 25:389-396. [PMID: 32804318 PMCID: PMC7855682 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-020-03001-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Health facility stigma impedes HIV care and treatment. Worry of contracting HIV while caring for people living with HIV is a key driver of health facility stigma, however evidence for this relationship is largely cross-sectional. This study evaluates this relationship longitudinally amongst nursing students and ward staff in India. Worry of contracting HIV and other known predictors of intent to discriminate were collected at baseline and 6 months in 916 nursing students and 747 ward staff. Using fixed effects regression models, we assessed the effect of key predictors on intent to discriminate over a 6-month period. Worry of contracting HIV predicted intent to discriminate for nursing students and ward staff in care situations with low and high-risk for bodily fluid exposure, confirming prior cross-sectional study results and underscoring the importance of addressing worry of contracting HIV as part of health facility HIV stigma-reduction interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Nyblade
- Global Health Division, International Development Group, RTI International, 13th St., NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC, 20005, USA.
| | - Krishnamachari Srinivasan
- St. Johns Research Institute, St. John's National Academy of Health Sciences, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Tony Raj
- St. Johns Research Institute, St. John's National Academy of Health Sciences, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Emmanuel A Oga
- Center for Applied Public Health Research, RTI International, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Elsa Heylen
- Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Amanda Mazur
- Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Dhinagaran Devadass
- St. Johns Research Institute, St. John's National Academy of Health Sciences, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Wayne T Steward
- Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Matilda Pereira
- St. Johns Research Institute, St. John's National Academy of Health Sciences, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Maria L Ekstrand
- St. Johns Research Institute, St. John's National Academy of Health Sciences, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
- Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
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17
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Nyblade L, Mingkwan P, Stockton MA. Stigma reduction: an essential ingredient to ending AIDS by 2030. Lancet HIV 2021; 8:e106-e113. [PMID: 33539757 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-3018(20)30309-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2020] [Revised: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030 will require addressing stigma more systematically and at a larger scale than current efforts. Existing global evidence shows that stigma is a barrier to achieving each of the 90-90-90 targets; it undermines HIV testing, linkage to care, treatment adherence, and viral load suppression. However, findings from both research studies and programmatic experience have helped to inform the growing body of knowledge regarding how to reduce stigma, leading to key principles for HIV stigma reduction. These principles include immediately addressing actionable drivers of stigma, centring groups affected by stigma at the core of the response, and engaging opinion leaders and building partnerships between affected groups and opinion leaders. Although there is still room to strengthen research on stigma measurement and reduction, in particular for intersectional stigma, the proliferation of evidence over the past several decades on how to measure and address stigma provides a solid foundation for immediate and comprehensive action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Nyblade
- Global Health Division, International Development Group, Research Triangle Institute, Washington, DC, USA.
| | - Pia Mingkwan
- Global Health Division, International Development Group, Research Triangle Institute, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Melissa A Stockton
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA
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18
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Mbote DK, Nyblade L, Kemunto C, Giger K, Kimani J, Mingkwan P, Njuguna S, Oga E, Kraemer JD. Police Discrimination, Misconduct, and Stigmatization of Female Sex Workers in Kenya: Associations with Delayed and Avoided Health Care Utilization and Lower Consistent Condom Use. Health Hum Rights 2020; 22:199-212. [PMID: 33390707 PMCID: PMC7762893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Discrimination and violence against sex workers by police are common in many populations and are associated with negative health outcomes, as well as being per se violations of human rights laws and norms. There is a close and mutually reinforcing nexus between legally actionable rights violations and stigma, and reducing human rights violations against sex workers likely requires both legal and societal interventions that address both. In this paper, we first aim to estimate levels of discrimination, violence, and stigma against women sex workers by police in Kenya. Second, we aim to estimate the association between manifestations of discrimination and stigma, on the one hand, and general health care utilization and consistent condom use, on the other. Using data from a survey of Kenyan sex workers, we document widespread discrimination and stigma. Through regression analyses, participants with the highest levels of all three categories of manifestations of discrimination and stigma reported significant lower consistent condom use. Those with the highest levels of witnessed/heard manifestations were significantly more likely to delay or avoid needed health care, and the highest level of experienced manifestations were associated with a marginally significant increase in delay or avoidance. Our findings document a plethora of violations of human rights obligations under Kenyan and international law.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Kuria Mbote
- Independent researcher and Director at the Kuria Foundation for Social Enterprise, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Laura Nyblade
- Fellow and Senior Technical Advisor, Stigma and Discrimination, RTI International, Washington, DC, USA
| | | | - Kayla Giger
- Public Health Analyst at RTI International, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Joshua Kimani
- Clinical Director at Partners for Health and Development in Africa and Lecturer at the Institute of Tropical and Infectious Diseases, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Pia Mingkwan
- Research Associate at RTI International, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Stella Njuguna
- Research Officer at the Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Emmanuel Oga
- Senior Epidemiologist at RTI International, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - John D. Kraemer
- Associate Professor in the Department of Health Systems Administration at Georgetown University and Visiting Scholar at RTI International, Washington, DC, USA
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19
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Wechsberg WM, Browne FA, Ndirangu J, Bonner CP, Minnis AM, Nyblade L, Speizer IS, Howard BN, Myers B, Ahmed K. The PrEPARE Pretoria Project: protocol for a cluster-randomized factorial-design trial to prevent HIV with PrEP among adolescent girls and young women in Tshwane, South Africa. BMC Public Health 2020; 20:1403. [PMID: 32933510 PMCID: PMC7490774 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-020-09458-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite increased prevention efforts, HIV remains the leading cause of death among adolescent girls and young women in South Africa. Although research indicates important determinants of HIV acquisition at the individual and interpersonal levels, structural-level stigma and discrimination continue to be critical barriers to reaching and retaining this key population for HIV prevention and sexual and reproductive health services. Innovative and multilevel interventions are needed that can address the intersectional structural and gender issues that young women face, including stigma, alcohol and drug use, gender-based violence, and other risk factors when seeking health services. Oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) taken daily has been found to be an effective biomedical HIV prevention tool. Testing a comprehensive gender-focused biobehavioral HIV prevention intervention that is inclusive of social ecological determinants, such as stigma and discrimination reduction in clinics, is critical for reducing HIV among adolescent girls and young women. METHODS This project involves both a Community Collaborative Board and a Youth Advisory Board in helping to adapt the Young Women's Health CoOp intervention and the Health Policy Project (HPP) Stigma and Discrimination (S&D) reduction training curriculum to the setting and population. This study uses a two-by-two factorial design with stratified randomization of 12 clinics, each with distinct catchment areas. The Young Women's Health CoOp addresses substance use, sexual risk, violence prevention and sexual negotiation, condom demonstration, and problem solving with the following additions: knowledge of PrEP, the importance of PrEP adherence, and sexual and reproductive health. Adolescent girls and young women will be assessed with behavioral and biological measures at baseline, 3-, 6- and 9-month follow-up. The S&D reduction training is provided for all staff in the clinics randomized to this condition. Clinic staff will be surveyed at baseline, 4- and 8-month follow-up. We will recruit 900 AGYW from communities in the 12 clinic catchment areas. DISCUSSION The study findings, if efficacious across the outcomes, will be incorporated into the gender-focused HIV prevention intervention toolkit and disseminated to inform multilevel prevention approaches. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov. Identifier: NCT04048551 (Recruiting). Registered: August 7, 2019 (Retrospectively registered).
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Affiliation(s)
- Wendee M Wechsberg
- Substance Use, Gender, and Applied Research Program, RTI International, 3040 E. Cornwallis Road, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709-2194, USA. .,Maternal and Child Health, University of North Carolina Gillings School of Global Public Health, 135 Dauer Drive, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA. .,Department of Psychology, North Carolina State University, 640 Poe Hall, Campus Box 7650, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA. .,Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, 40 Duke Medicine Circle, Durham, NC, 27710, USA.
| | - Felicia A Browne
- Substance Use, Gender, and Applied Research Program, RTI International, 3040 E. Cornwallis Road, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709-2194, USA.,Health Behavior, University of North Carolina Gillings School of Global Public Health, 135 Dauer Drive, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Jacqueline Ndirangu
- Substance Use, Gender, and Applied Research Program, RTI International, 3040 E. Cornwallis Road, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709-2194, USA
| | - Courtney Peasant Bonner
- Substance Use, Gender, and Applied Research Program, RTI International, 3040 E. Cornwallis Road, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709-2194, USA
| | - Alexandra M Minnis
- Center for Global Health, RTI International, 2150 Shattuck Avenue, Suite 800, Berkeley, CA, 94704, USA.,Epidemiology Division, Berkeley School of Public Health, University of California, 2121 Berkeley Way, Room 5302, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Laura Nyblade
- International Global Health Division, International Development Group, RTI International, 701 13th Street NW #750, Washington, DC, 20005, USA
| | - Ilene S Speizer
- Maternal and Child Health, University of North Carolina Gillings School of Global Public Health, 135 Dauer Drive, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Brittni N Howard
- Substance Use, Gender, and Applied Research Program, RTI International, 3040 E. Cornwallis Road, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709-2194, USA
| | - Bronwyn Myers
- Alcohol and Drug Abuse Research Unit, Medical Research Council Francie van Zijl Drive, Parow Valley, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Khatija Ahmed
- Setshaba Research Centre, 2088 Block H, Soshanguve, 0152, South Africa
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Integration and scale-up of efforts to measure and reduce HIV-related stigma: the experience of Thailand. AIDS 2020; 34 Suppl 1:S103-S114. [PMID: 32881799 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000002586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE(S) To share Thailand's journey to develop and implement a national response to measure and tackle HIV-related stigma and discrimination and key implementation lessons learned. DESIGN A national response to stigma and discrimination including policy, measurement, and interventions. Intervention activities began in health facilities because of their key role in achieving health outcomes. METHODS Three building blocks were implemented: policy and its translation into a roadmap for action; measurement development and routinization to inform intervention design and track progress; and intervention development and implementation. RESULTS Thailand has successfully integrated a response to stigma and discrimination into its national HIV response. Stigma and discrimination-reduction was included as a key strategic goal for the first time in the 2014-2016 National AIDS Strategic Plan. A costed national stigma and discrimination-reduction roadmap incorporated into the operational plan provided clear strategic direction on how to move forward. The development of HIV-related stigma and discrimination measures and their incorporation into the national HIV monitoring and evaluation framework has led to routine data collection to monitor stigma and discrimination in health facilities, key populations, and the general population. Development and successful piloting of a health facility stigma-reduction package - the 3 × 4 approach - has led to national scale-up of the approach through a modified approach. Thailand continues to evolve and innovate the program, including developing new activities to tackle stigma and discrimination beyond the health system. CONCLUSION Thailand's experience demonstrates the key elements needed to make addressing stigma and discrimination a priority in the national HIV response.
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A total facility approach to reducing HIV stigma in health facilities: implementation process and lessons learned. AIDS 2020; 34 Suppl 1:S93-S102. [PMID: 32881798 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000002585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To describe development and implementation of a three-stage 'total facility' approach to reducing health facility HIV stigma in Ghana and Tanzania, to facilitate replication. DESIGN HIV stigma in healthcare settings hinders the HIV response and can occur during any interaction between client and staff, between staff, and within institutional processes and structures. Therefore, the design focuses on multiple socioecological levels within a health facility and targets all levels of staff (clinical and nonclinical). METHODS The approach is grounded in social cognitive theory principles and interpersonal or intergroup contact theory that works to combat stigma by creating space for interpersonal interactions, fostering empathy, and building efficacy for stigma reduction through awareness, skills, and knowledge building as well as through joint action planning for changes needed in the facility environment. The approach targets actionable drivers of stigma among health facility staff: fear of HIV transmission, awareness of stigma, attitudes, and health facility environment. RESULTS The results are the three-stage process of formative research, capacity building, and integration into facility structures and processes. Key implementation lessons learned included the importance of formative data to catalyze action and shape intervention activities, using participatory training methodologies, involving facility management throughout, having staff, and clients living with HIV facilitate trainings, involving a substantial proportion of staff, mixing staff cadres and departments in training groups, and integrating stigma-reduction into existing structures and processes. CONCLUSION Addressing stigma in health facilities is critical and this approach offers a feasible, well accepted method of doing so.
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