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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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Hill SE, Zhang C, Remera E, Ingabire C, Umwiza F, Munyaneza A, Muhoza B, Rwibasira G, Yotebieng M, Anastos K, Murenzi G, Ross J. Association Between Clinical Encounter Frequency and HIV-Related Stigma Among Newly-Diagnosed People Living with HIV in Rwanda. AIDS Behav 2024; 28:1390-1400. [PMID: 38112826 PMCID: PMC10947825 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-023-04226-6] [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] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
HIV-related stigma in healthcare settings remains a key barrier to engaging people living with HIV (PLHIV) in care. This study investigated the association between clinical encounter frequency and HIV-related anticipated, enacted, and internalized stigma among newly-diagnosed PLHIV in Rwanda. From October 2020 to May 2022, we collected data from adult PLHIV on antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Kigali, Rwanda who were participating in a randomized, controlled trial testing early entry into differentiated care at 6 months after ART initiation. We measured anticipated HIV stigma with five-point Likert HIV Stigma Framework measures, enacted stigma with the four-point Likert HIV/AIDS Stigma Instrument, and internalized stigma with the four-point Likert HIV/AIDS Stigma Instrument. We used multivariable linear regression to test the associations between clinical encounter frequency (average inter-visit interval ≥ 50 days vs. < 50 days) and change in mean anticipated, enacted and internalized HIV stigma over the first 12 months in care. Among 93 individuals enrolled, 76 had complete data on encounter frequency and stigma measurements and were included in the present analysis. Mean internalized stigma scores of all participants decreased over the first 12 months in care. Anticipated and enacted stigma scores were low and did not change significantly over time. There was no association between encounter frequency and change in internalized stigma. In this pilot study of newly-diagnosed Rwandan PLHIV with relatively low levels of HIV-related stigma, clinical encounter frequency was not associated with change in stigma. Additional research in diverse settings and with larger samples is necessary to further explore this relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E Hill
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA.
| | - Chenshu Zhang
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA
| | - Eric Remera
- HIV/AIDS and STIs Diseases Division, Rwanda Biomedical Center, Institute of HIV Disease Prevention and Control, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Charles Ingabire
- Rwanda Military Hospital, Kigali, Rwanda
- Research for Development, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Francine Umwiza
- Rwanda Military Hospital, Kigali, Rwanda
- Research for Development, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Athanase Munyaneza
- Rwanda Military Hospital, Kigali, Rwanda
- Research for Development, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Benjamin Muhoza
- Rwanda Military Hospital, Kigali, Rwanda
- Research for Development, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Gallican Rwibasira
- HIV/AIDS and STIs Diseases Division, Rwanda Biomedical Center, Institute of HIV Disease Prevention and Control, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Marcel Yotebieng
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA
| | - Kathryn Anastos
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA
| | - Gad Murenzi
- Rwanda Military Hospital, Kigali, Rwanda
- Research for Development, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Jonathan Ross
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA
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Si Y, Xue H, Liao H, Xie Y, Xu DR, Smith MK, Yip W, Cheng W, Tian J, Tang W, Sylvia S. The quality of telemedicine consultations for sexually transmitted infections in China. Health Policy Plan 2024; 39:307-317. [PMID: 38113375 DOI: 10.1093/heapol/czad119] [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: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The burden of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) continues to increase in developing countries like China, but the access to STI care is often limited. The emergence of direct-to-consumer (DTC) telemedicine offers unique opportunities for patients to directly access health services when needed. However, the quality of STI care provided by telemedicine platforms remains unknown. After systemically identifying the universe of DTC telemedicine platforms providing on-demand consultations in China in 2019, we evaluated their quality using the method of unannounced standardized patients (SPs). SPs presented routine cases of syphilis and herpes. Of the 110 SP visits conducted, physicians made a correct diagnosis in 44.5% (95% CI: 35.1% to 54.0%) of SP visits, and correctly managed 10.9% (95% CI: 5.0% to 16.8%). Low rates of correct management were primarily attributable to the failure of physicians to refer patients for STI testing. Controlling for other factors, videoconference (vs SMS-based) consultation mode and the availability of public physician ratings were associated with higher-quality care. Our findings suggest a need for further research on the causal determinants of care quality on DTC telemedicine platforms and effective policy approaches to promote their potential to expand access to STI care in developing countries while limiting potential unintended consequences for patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yafei Si
- Centre for International Studies on Development and Governance, Zhejiang University, No. 688 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
- School of Risk & Actuarial Studies and CEPAR, The University of New South Wales, 223 Anzac Parade, Kensington, NSW 2033, Australia
- Global Health Research Center, Duke Kunshan University, No. 8 Duke Avenue Kunshan, Jiangsu 215316, China
- University of North Carolina Project-China, No313 Huanshizhong Road Guangzhou, Guangdong 510000, China
| | - Hao Xue
- Stanford Center for China's Institutions and Economy, Stanford University, 616 Jane Stanford Way, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Huipeng Liao
- University of North Carolina Project-China, No313 Huanshizhong Road Guangzhou, Guangdong 510000, China
| | - Yewei Xie
- University of North Carolina Project-China, No313 Huanshizhong Road Guangzhou, Guangdong 510000, China
- Programme for Health Services & Systems Research, Duke-NUS Medical School, 8 College Road, Singapore 169857, Singapore
| | - Dong Roman Xu
- Center for World Health Organization Studies and Department of Health Management, School of Health Management of Southern Medical University, 1023 South Shatai Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China
- Acacia Labs, SMU Institute for Global Health (SIGHT), Dermatology Hospital of Southern Medical University (SMU), 1023 South Shatai Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China
| | - M Kumi Smith
- Division of Epidemiology and Community Health, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, 1300 South 2nd Street, Minneapolis, MN 55454, USA
| | - Winnie Yip
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard University, 665 Huntington Ave, Cambridge, MA 02115, USA
| | - Weibin Cheng
- Institute for Healthcare Artificial Intelligence Application, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, No. 466 Xingangzhong Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510330, China
- School of Data Science, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue Kowloon, Hong Kong 0000, China
| | - Junzhang Tian
- Institute for Healthcare Artificial Intelligence Application, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, No. 466 Xingangzhong Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510330, China
| | - Weiming Tang
- University of North Carolina Project-China, No313 Huanshizhong Road Guangzhou, Guangdong 510000, China
- Institute for Healthcare Artificial Intelligence Application, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, No. 466 Xingangzhong Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510330, China
- Institute for Global Health and Infectious Disease, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 123 W Franklin St, Chapel Hill, NC 27516, USA
| | - Sean Sylvia
- Department of Health Policy and Management, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 1101 McGavran-Greenberg Hall, Chapel Hill, NC 27516, USA
- Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 123 W Franklin St, Chapel Hill, NC 27516, USA
- Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 25 M.L.K. Jr Blvd, Chapel Hill, NC 27516, USA
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Wang J, Wang G, Zhu X, Li L, Kang D, Liu Y, Zhang N. The care status and factors affecting antiretroviral therapy timing for people living with HIV: a retrospective cohort study in Shandong Province, China. AIDS Care 2023; 35:1963-1970. [PMID: 36919489 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2023.2185197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
This study described the care status of People Living with HIV (PLWH) including antiretroviral therapy (ART) and viral suppression from 2018 to 2020. We recognized that immediate ART was associated with improved viral suppression. Therefore, we also aimed to explore the factors affecting the early initiation of ART. We initiated a retrospective cohort study to evaluate the care status of people living with HIV in Shandong Province. From 2018 to 2020, patients infected by homosexual transmission in particular had a higher ART rate (78.82%, 79.69%, and 87.72%, respectively). Of PLWH who received ART, 79.57%, 77.63%, and 67.71% achieved viral suppression, respectively. However, COVID-19 may affect the rate of ART and viral suppression, which we need to explore in our research. From 2018 to 2020, the proportion of immediate antiretroviral therapy within 30 days of diagnosis increased from 48.12% to 65.42%. Multivariate logistic regression demonstrated that patients with junior college degree or above (OR, 1.39 [95%CI, 1.12-1.73]) and key population or medical institutions (OR, 3.62 [95%CI, 2.18-6.16]; OR, 3.88 [95%CI, 2.33-6.59]) were substantially likely to receive ART immediately, while patients outside the province (OR, 0.60 [95%CI, 0.50-0.73]) were less likely to receive ART immediately.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiongjiong Wang
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Guoyong Wang
- Shandong Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China
- Institute of Preventive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoyan Zhu
- Shandong Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China
- Institute of Preventive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Ling Li
- Shandong Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China
- Institute of Preventive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Dianmin Kang
- Shandong Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China
- Institute of Preventive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yunxia Liu
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Na Zhang
- Shandong Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China
- Institute of Preventive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China
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Sameen S, Lakhdir MPA, Azam SI, Asad N. Evaluating knowledge about HIV and discriminatory attitudes among Pakistani women of reproductive age using 2017-18 Demographic Health Survey data. Sci Rep 2023; 13:17849. [PMID: 37857793 PMCID: PMC10587286 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-45117-z] [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: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
A prominent issue associated with HIV is the stigma around it owing to a lack of awareness. This study aimed to find the association between HIV and AIDS-related knowledge and discriminatory attitudes amongst Pakistani women of reproductive age using the 2017-18 Pakistani Demographic Health Survey (PDHS) data. We analyzed a sample of 3381 Pakistani women of reproductive age using ordinal logistic regression for complex survey data. Two composite variables were created using the HIV module to denote the respondents' HIV-related knowledge and their attitude toward people living with HIV (PLHIV) and calculated using a scoring method. Additional variables included the respondents' age, education level, socioeconomic status, residential setting, and HIV testing history. More than half (58.8%) of the respondents presented with a negative attitude toward PLHIV and 64.3% of the respondents had poor knowledge regarding the illness. In the multivariable analysis, knowledge about HIV and level of education reported significant associations with discriminatory attitudes. We concluded that the odds of individuals living in a rural setting and hailing from a low socioeconomic background presenting with a negative attitude towards PLHIV were 2.52 times (95% CI 1.07-5.89) higher as compared to those living in an urban setting from a high socioeconomic background.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Sameen
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Aga Khan University, Stadium Road, P.O Box 3500, Karachi, Pakistan.
| | - Maryam Pyar Ali Lakhdir
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Aga Khan University, Stadium Road, P.O Box 3500, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Syed Iqbal Azam
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Aga Khan University, Stadium Road, P.O Box 3500, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Nargis Asad
- Department of Psychiatry, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
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Smith MK, Luo D, Meng S, Fei Y, Zhang W, Tucker J, Wei C, Tang W, Yang L, Joyner BL, Huang S, Wang C, Yang B, Sylvia SY. An Incognito Standardized Patient Approach for Measuring and Reducing Intersectional Healthcare Stigma. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2023:2023.08.21.23294305. [PMID: 37662413 PMCID: PMC10473797 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.21.23294305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
Background Consistent evidence highlights the role of stigma in impairing healthcare access in people living with HIV (PLWH), men who have sex with men (MSM), and people with both identities. We developed an incognito standardized patient (SP) approach to obtain observations of providers to inform a tailored, relevant, and culturally appropriate stigma reduction training. Our pilot cluster randomized control trial assessed the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effects of an intervention to reduce HIV stigma, anti-gay stigma, and intersectional stigma. Methods Design of the intervention was informed by the results of a baseline round of incognito visits in which SPs presented standardized cases to consenting doctors. The HIV status and sexual orientation of each case was randomly varied, and stigma was quantified as differences in care across scenarios. Care quality was measured in terms of diagnostic testing, diagnostic effort, and patient-centered care. Impact of the training, which consisted of didactic, experiential, and discussion-based modules, was assessed by analyzing results of a follow-up round of SP visits using linear fixed effects regression models. Results Feasibility and acceptability among the 55 provider participants was high. We had a 87.3% recruitment rate and 74.5% completion rate of planned visits (N=238) with no adverse events. Every participant found the training content "highly useful" or "useful." Preliminary effects suggest that, relative to the referent case (HIV negative straight man), the intervention positively impacted testing for HIV negative MSM (0.05 percentage points [PP], 95% CI,-0.24, 0.33) and diagnostic effort in HIV positive MSM (0.23 standard deviation [SD] improvement, 95% CI, -0.92, 1.37). Patient-centered care only improved for HIV positive straight cases post-training relative to the referent group (SD, 0.57; 95% CI, -0.39, 1.53). All estimates lacked statistical precision, an expected outcome of a pilot RCT. Conclusions Our pilot RCT demonstrated high feasibility, acceptability, and several areas of impact for an intervention to reduce enacted healthcare stigma in a low-/middle-income country setting. The relatively lower impact of our intervention on care outcomes for PLWH suggests that future trainings should include more clinical content to boost provider confidence in the safe and respectful management of patients with HIV.
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Spees LP, Biddell CB, Smith JS, Marais ACD, Hudgens MG, Sanusi B, Jackson S, Brewer NT, Wheeler SB. Cost-effectiveness of Human Papillomavirus Self-collection Intervention on Cervical Cancer Screening Uptake among Underscreened U.S. Persons with a Cervix. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2023; 32:1097-1106. [PMID: 37204419 PMCID: PMC10524653 DOI: 10.1158/1055-9965.epi-22-1267] [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: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 02/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We evaluate the cost-effectiveness of human papillomavirus (HPV) self-collection (followed by scheduling assistance for those who were HPV+ or inconclusive) compared with scheduling assistance only and usual care among underscreened persons with a cervix (PWAC). METHODS A decision tree analysis was used to estimate the incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICER), or the cost per additional PWAC screened, from the Medicaid/state and clinic perspectives. A hypothetical cohort represented 90,807 low-income, underscreened individuals. Costs and health outcomes were derived from the MyBodyMyTest-3 randomized trial except the usual care health outcomes were derived from literature. We performed probabilistic sensitivity analyses (PSA) to evaluate model uncertainty. RESULTS Screening uptake was highest in the self-collection alternative (n = 65,721), followed by the scheduling assistance alternative (n = 34,003) and usual care (n = 18,161). The self-collection alternative costs less and was more effective than the scheduling assistance alternative from the Medicaid/state perspective. Comparing the self-collection alternative with usual care, the ICERs were $284 per additional PWAC screened from the Medicaid/state perspective and $298 per additional PWAC screened from the clinic perspective. PSAs demonstrated that the self-collection alternative was cost-effective compared with usual care at a willingness-to-pay threshold of $300 per additional PWAC screened in 66% of simulations from the Medicaid/state perspective and 58% of simulations from the clinic perspective. CONCLUSIONS Compared with usual care and scheduling assistance, mailing HPV self-collection kits to underscreened individuals appears to be cost-effective in increasing screening uptake. IMPACT This is the first analysis to demonstrate the cost-effectiveness of mailed self-collection in the United States.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa P. Spees
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Caitlin B. Biddell
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Jennifer S. Smith
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Andrea C. Des Marais
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Michael G. Hudgens
- Department of Biostatistics, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Busola Sanusi
- Center for Biostatistics in AIDS Research, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Sarah Jackson
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Noel T. Brewer
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
- Department of Health Behavior, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Stephanie B. Wheeler
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
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Njuguna I, Moraa H, Mugo C, Mbwayo A, Nyapara F, Aballa C, Wagner AD, Wamalwa D, John-Stewart G, Inwani I, O’Malley G. 'They should show them love even if their status of being HIV positive is known': Youth and caregiver stigma experience and strategies to end HIV stigma in schools. Trop Med Int Health 2023; 28:466-475. [PMID: 37177902 PMCID: PMC10278085 DOI: 10.1111/tmi.13878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE HIV stigma and discrimination is widespread in sub-Saharan Africa and is associated with poor clinical outcomes. Schools play a critical role in the life of youth and have been identified as a potentially stigmatising environment. We sought to explore school HIV stigma drivers, facilitators, manifestations and outcomes among youth living with HIV (YLH) as well as potential stigma reduction interventions in Kenya. METHODS Semi-structured in-depth qualitative interviews with 28 school-attending YLH aged 14-19 years and 24 caregivers of YLH were analysed using directed content analysis. Results were summarised using the Health and Stigma Framework. RESULTS Drivers and facilitators of HIV stigma in the school environment included misconceptions about HIV transmission, HIV treatment outcomes and long-term overall health of people living with HIV. HIV stigma manifested largely as gossip, isolation and loss of friendships. Fear of HIV stigma or experienced stigma resulted in poor adherence to antiretroviral treatment-particularly among YLH in boarding schools-and poor mental health. Stigma also impacted school choice (boarding vs. day school) and prevented HIV disclosure to schools which was necessary for optimal support for care. Proposed interventions to address HIV stigma in schools included HIV education, psychosocial support for YLH, support for HIV disclosure to schools while ensuring confidentiality and building YLH resilience. CONCLUSION There is an urgent need to develop interventions to address HIV stigma in schools to ensure optimised health and social outcomes for YLH. Future studies to understand the most effective and efficient interventions are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Njuguna
- Kenyatta National Hospital, Research and Programs, P.O. Box 20723-00202, Nairobi, Kenya
- Departments of Global Health, University of Washington, Box 359931, Seattle, WA 98104, USA
| | - Hellen Moraa
- Kenyatta National Hospital, Research and Programs, P.O. Box 20723-00202, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Cyrus Mugo
- Kenyatta National Hospital, Research and Programs, P.O. Box 20723-00202, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Anne Mbwayo
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Nairobi P.O. Box 19676-00202, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Florence Nyapara
- Kenyatta National Hospital, Research and Programs, P.O. Box 20723-00202, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Calvins Aballa
- Kenyatta National Hospital, Research and Programs, P.O. Box 20723-00202, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Anjuli D. Wagner
- Departments of Global Health, University of Washington, Box 359931, Seattle, WA 98104, USA
| | - Dalton Wamalwa
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, University of Nairobi P.O. Box 19676-00202, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Grace John-Stewart
- Departments of Global Health, University of Washington, Box 359931, Seattle, WA 98104, USA
- Departments of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Box 359931, Seattle, WA 98104, USA
- Departments of Medicine, University of Washington, Box 359931, Seattle, WA 98104, USA
- Departments of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Box 359931, Seattle, WA 98104, USA
| | - Irene Inwani
- Kenyatta National Hospital, Research and Programs, P.O. Box 20723-00202, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Gabrielle O’Malley
- Departments of Global Health, University of Washington, Box 359931, Seattle, WA 98104, USA
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López A, Rafful C, Orozco R, Contreras-Valdez JA, Jiménez-Rivagorza L, Morales M. HIV Stigma Mechanisms Scale: Factor Structure, Reliability, and Validity in Mexican Adults. AIDS Behav 2023; 27:1321-1328. [PMID: 36287344 PMCID: PMC9607813 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-022-03868-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
We aimed to validate the HIV Stigma Mechanisms Scale (HIV-SMS) in a sample of Mexican adults living with HIV, which differentiates between sources and mechanisms of stigma. Adults (n = 362) with a median age of 32 years old completed a web-based version in Spanish of the HIV-SMS as well as sociodemographic and HIV-related characteristics questionnaire. Exploratory factor analyses with weighted least squares and oblique rotation were performed to assess the construct validity of the scale. The Spanish translation for the Mexican population of the HIV-SMS has adequate internal consistency (Ω = 0.86) and demonstrated a structure similar to the original scale. After excluding the items related to community and social workers, a five-factor solution with internalized, promulgated, and anticipated stigma from family and healthcare workers showed adequate construct validity. The HIV-SMS is a valid and sensitive scale that can be used in a Mexican adult population living with HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea López
- Faculty of Psychology, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Circuito Ciudad Universitaria, 04510, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Claudia Rafful
- Faculty of Psychology, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Circuito Ciudad Universitaria, 04510, Mexico City, Mexico.
- Center for Global Mental Health, National Institute of Psychiatry, Coyoacan, Mexico City, Mexico.
| | - Ricardo Orozco
- Center for Global Mental Health, National Institute of Psychiatry, Coyoacan, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - José Alfredo Contreras-Valdez
- Faculty of Psychology, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Circuito Ciudad Universitaria, 04510, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Leonardo Jiménez-Rivagorza
- Faculty of Psychology, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Circuito Ciudad Universitaria, 04510, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Missael Morales
- Faculty of Psychology, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Circuito Ciudad Universitaria, 04510, Mexico City, Mexico
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Mugo C, Firdawsi O, Wang J, Njuguna IN, Wamalwa DC, Slyker JA, John-Stewart GC, O'Malley G, Wagner AD. "When they are all grown, I will tell them": Experience and perceptions of parental self-disclosure of HIV status to children in Nairobi, Kenya. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:519. [PMID: 36932351 PMCID: PMC10024367 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-15387-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is mixed evidence on the influence of self-disclosure of one's HIV status on mental health, health behaviours and clinical outcomes. We studied the patterns of self-disclosure among parents living with HIV, and factors that influence parental disclosure. METHODS This mixed-methods study was among adults in HIV care participating in a study assessing the uptake of pediatric index-case testing. They completed a survey to provide demographic and HIV-related health information, and assess self-disclosure to partners, children and others. We ran generalized linear models to determine factors associated with disclosure and reported prevalence ratios (PR). Eighteen participants also participated in in-depth interviews to explore perceived barriers and facilitators of self-disclosure to one's child. A content analysis approach was used to analyze interview transcripts. RESULTS Of 493 caregivers, 238 (48%) had a child ≥ 6 years old who could potentially be disclosed to about their parent's HIV status. Of 238 participants, 205 (86%) were female, median age was 35 years, and 132 (55%) were in a stable relationship. Among those in a stable relationship, 96 (73%) knew their partner's HIV status, with 79 (60%) reporting that their partner was living with HIV. Caregivers had known their HIV status for a median 2 years, and the median age of their oldest child was 11 years old. Older caregiver age and older first born child's age were each associated with 10% higher likelihood of having disclosed to a child (PR: 1.10 [1.06-1.13] and PR: 1.10 [1.06-1.15], per year of age, respectively). The child's age or perceived maturity and fear of causing anxiety to the child inhibited disclosure. Child's sexual activity was a motivator for disclosure, as well as the belief that disclosing was the "right thing to do". Caregivers advocated for peer and counseling support to gain insight on appropriate ways to disclose their status. CONCLUSIONS Child's age is a key consideration for parents to disclose their own HIV status to their children. While parents were open to disclosing their HIV status to their children, there is a need to address barriers including anticipated stigma, and fear that disclosure will cause distress to their children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cyrus Mugo
- Department of Research and Programs, Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, 00202, Kenya.
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Box 359909, 3980 15th Ave. NE, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA.
| | - Olivia Firdawsi
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Box 359909, 3980 15th Ave. NE, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Jiayu Wang
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Box 359909, 3980 15th Ave. NE, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Irene N Njuguna
- Department of Research and Programs, Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, 00202, Kenya
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Box 359909, 3980 15th Ave. NE, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Dalton C Wamalwa
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Box 359909, WA, 98104, Seattle, USA
| | - Jennifer A Slyker
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Box 359909, 3980 15th Ave. NE, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Grace C John-Stewart
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Box 359909, 3980 15th Ave. NE, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Box 359909, 3980 15th Ave. NE, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Box 359909, 3980 15th Ave. NE, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, KE, 00202, USA
| | - Gabrielle O'Malley
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Box 359909, 3980 15th Ave. NE, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Anjuli D Wagner
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Box 359909, 3980 15th Ave. NE, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
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Shi C, Cleofas JV. Student nurses' perceptions and experiences in caring for people living with HIV/AIDS: a qualitative study. BMC MEDICAL EDUCATION 2023; 23:99. [PMID: 36750808 PMCID: PMC9906868 DOI: 10.1186/s12909-023-04074-x] [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: 09/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Caring for people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) requires clinical experience and quality care delivery skills. This study aimed to explore the perceptions and experiences of nursing students in caring for PLWHAs. METHODS This qualitative descriptive study interviewed 18 student nurses who had cared for PLWHAs from 14 tertiary hospitals across 7 provinces in China through semi-structured telephone interviews. RESULTS Two themes emerged from the narratives: student nurses' perceptions and attitudes toward PLWHAs and student nurses' practical experiences with PLWHAs. Five theme clusters were revealed, namely "negative attitudes held before the care-giving," "a series of psychological struggles in care-giving," "favorable attitudes increased after the care-giving," "consensus on care delivery for PLWHAs," and "considerations regarding contamination reduction." CONCLUSIONS Findings shed light on the development and changes in student nurses' perspectives on PLWHAs throughout their clinical experiences. Student nurses' perceptions and attitudes toward PLWHAs progressed through three distinct stages, and positive changes were observed after care-giving. Participants' perceptions and practical experiences with patients with AIDS enable patients to receive fair and high-quality care and provide valuable insights for nursing educators better prepare HIV nurses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunhong Shi
- School of Nursing, XiangNan University, Chenzhou, 423000, China
- College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences, St. Paul University Manila, 1004, Manila, Philippines
| | - Jerome V Cleofas
- Department of Sociology and Behavioral Sciences, De La Salle University, 1004, Manila, Philippines.
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12
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Bovell-Ammon BJ, Kimmel SD, Cheng DM, Truong V, Michals A, Vetrova M, Hook K, Idrisov B, Blokhina E, Krupitsky E, Samet JH, Lunze K. Incarceration history, antiretroviral therapy, and stigma: A cross-sectional study of people with HIV who inject drugs in St. Petersburg, Russia. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2023; 111:103907. [PMID: 36402082 PMCID: PMC9868071 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2022.103907] [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: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The HIV epidemic is intertwined with substance use and incarceration in Russia. The relationships between incarceration history, HIV treatment history, and stigma experiences among people with HIV (PWH) who inject drugs in Russia have not been well described. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional study of a cohort of PWH with opioid use disorder who inject drugs (n=201) recruited at a narcology (substance use treatment) hospital in St. Petersburg, Russia from September 2018 to December 2020. The primary analysis evaluated the association between self-reported prior incarceration and prior antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation using multivariable logistic regression to adjust for demographic, social, and clinical covariates. We used multivariable linear regression models to analyze associations between prior incarceration and two secondary outcomes: HIV stigma score (11-item abbreviated Berger scale) and substance use stigma score (21-item combination of Substance Abuse Self-Stigma Scale and Stigma-related Rejection Scale). RESULTS Mean age was 37 (SD 5) years; 58.7% were male. Participants had been living with HIV for a mean of 13 (SD 6) years. Over two thirds (69.2%) of participants reported prior incarceration. One third (35.3%) of participants reported prior ART initiation. Prior incarceration was not significantly associated with prior ART initiation (AOR 1.76; 95% CI: 0.81, 3.83). Prior incarceration was associated with a lower HIV stigma score (adjusted mean difference in z-score: -0.50; 95%CI: -0.81, -0.19) but was not significantly associated with substance use stigma score (adjusted mean difference in z-score: -0.10; 95%CI: -0.42, 0.21). CONCLUSION Prior incarceration was common, and rates of prior ART initiation were low even though most participants had been living with HIV for at least a decade. We did not find an association between prior incarceration and prior ART initiation, which suggests a need to explore whether opportunities to initiate ART during or after incarceration are missed. CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER NCT03290391.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin J Bovell-Ammon
- Department of Medicine, Boston Medical Center; and Boston University School of Medicine, 801 Massachusetts Avenue, Crosstown Center 2nd Floor, Boston, MA 02118, USA.
| | - Simeon D Kimmel
- Department of Medicine, Boston Medical Center; and Boston University School of Medicine, 801 Massachusetts Avenue, Crosstown Center 2nd Floor, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Debbie M Cheng
- Department of Biostatistics, Boston University School of Public Health, 801 Massachusetts Avenue, Crosstown Center 3rd Floor, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Ve Truong
- Department of Medicine, Boston Medical Center; and Boston University School of Medicine, 801 Massachusetts Avenue, Crosstown Center 2nd Floor, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Amy Michals
- Biostatistics and Epidemiology Data Analytics Center, Boston University School of Public Health, 85 East Newton Street, M921, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Marina Vetrova
- Pavlov First St. Petersburg State Medical University, Lev Tolstoy Street, 6-8, St. Petersburg 197022, Russian Federation
| | - Kimberly Hook
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston Medical Center and Boston University School of Medicine, 720 Harrison Avenue 9th Floor, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Bulat Idrisov
- Department of Health Systems and Population Health, University of Washington, 3980 15th Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98195-1621, USA; Bashkir State Medical University, 3 Lenin Street, Ufa, Republic of Bashkortostan 450008, Russian Federation
| | - Elena Blokhina
- Pavlov First St. Petersburg State Medical University, Lev Tolstoy Street, 6-8, St. Petersburg 197022, Russian Federation
| | - Evgeny Krupitsky
- Pavlov First St. Petersburg State Medical University, Lev Tolstoy Street, 6-8, St. Petersburg 197022, Russian Federation; V.M. Bekhterev National Medical Research Center for Psychiatry and Neurology, Bekhtereva Street, 3, St. Petersburg 192019, Russian Federation
| | - Jeffrey H Samet
- Department of Medicine, Boston Medical Center; and Boston University School of Medicine, 801 Massachusetts Avenue, Crosstown Center 2nd Floor, Boston, MA 02118, USA; Department of Community Health Sciences, Boston University School of Public Health, 801 Massachusetts Avenue, Crosstown Center 4th Floor, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Karsten Lunze
- Department of Medicine, Boston Medical Center; and Boston University School of Medicine, 801 Massachusetts Avenue, Crosstown Center 2nd Floor, Boston, MA 02118, USA
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13
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Steward WT, Srinivasan K, Raj T, Heylen E, Nyblade L, Mazur A, Devadass D, Pereira M, Ekstrand ML. The Influence of Transmission-Based and Moral-Based HIV Stigma Beliefs on Intentions to Discriminate Among Ward Staff in South Indian Health Care Settings. AIDS Behav 2023; 27:189-197. [PMID: 35776252 PMCID: PMC9805471 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-022-03755-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
HIV stigma is comprised of several beliefs, including transmission fears and moral judgments against affected communities. We examined the relationships among HIV-related stigma beliefs, endorsement of coercive measures for people living with HIV (PLWH), and intentions to discriminate. We sought to understand to what degree the different stigma beliefs shape support for restrictive policies and discriminatory intentions. Data were drawn from the baseline assessment of DriSti, a cluster randomized controlled trial of an HIV stigma reduction intervention in Indian healthcare settings (NCT02101697). Participants completed measures assessing transmission fears and moral judgments of HIV, endorsement of coercive measures against PLWH (public disclosure of HIV status, refusal of healthcare services, marriage and family restrictions, required testing, and sharing of HIV information in a clinic), and intentions to discriminate against PLWH in professional and personal settings. We utilized multivariate regression modeling with backward elimination to identify the coercive measures and behavioral intentions most strongly associated with moral judgments. 1540 ward staff members completed the assessment. Participants had relatively high perceptions of transmission fears (M = 1.92, SD = 0.79) and moral judgments (M = 1.69, SD = 0.83); endorsed more intentions to discriminate in professional (M = 6.54, SD = 2.28) than personal settings (M = 2.07, SD = 1.49), and endorsed approximately half of all coercive measures (M = 9.47, SD = 2.68). After controlling for transmission fears, perceptions of stronger moral judgments against PLWH were significantly associated with higher endorsement of coercive measures related to refusing services (β = 0.10, t = 4.14, p < 0.001) and sharing patients' HIV status in clinics (β = 0.07, t = 3.04, p = 0.002), as well as with stronger behavioral intentions to discriminate in professional settings (β = 0.05, t = 2.20, p = 0.022). HIV stigma interventions for hospital-based ward staff in India need to focus on both transmission fears and moral judgments that underlie prejudicial beliefs. While the moral judgments are not technically related to risk in a hospital setting, our findings suggest that personnel will continue to discriminate in their professional work so long as these beliefs bear on their decisions and actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wayne T Steward
- Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Tony Raj
- St. Johns Research Institute, Bangalore, India
| | - Elsa Heylen
- Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Laura Nyblade
- International Development Group, Global Health Division, RTI International, DC, Washington, USA
| | - Amanda Mazur
- Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Maria L Ekstrand
- Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- St. Johns Research Institute, Bangalore, India.
- Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, Division of Prevention Science, University of California, San Francisco, 550 16th Street, 3rd Floor, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA.
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14
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Mol MM, Visser MJ, Rai SS, Peters RMH. Measuring health-related stigma: Exploring challenges and research priorities to improve assessment. Glob Public Health 2023; 18:2264960. [PMID: 37801723 DOI: 10.1080/17441692.2023.2264960] [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: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023]
Abstract
Despite the advances in stigma research, measuring health-related stigma continues to be challenging and knowledge gaps remain. This study gained insight into challenges and research priorities related to the assessment of health-related stigma. Interviews were conducted with 14 stigma researchers, followed by a survey that was completed by 36 respondents. The findings showed a diverse range of research priorities. Among the top ranked priorities were the need for robust measurement properties of existing scales (content validity, responsiveness, validation across settings), exploration and assessment of subtle changes in stigma, and investigation on ways to assess actual behaviour and discrimination. Various challenges with the cross-cultural use of measures were identified, along with a research opportunity to shorten the cross-cultural validation process. Other identified research priorities related to: studying multi-level intersectional stigma; focusing on positive features that counter stigma; rephrasing negative and offending scale items; developing generic measures; and, the further development of practical tools to support researchers with scale implementation. The defined research priorities can guide future studies to advance stigma measurements and, as our ability to measure is critical for our understanding, enhance our knowledge about the complex stigma processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marente M Mol
- Faculty of Science, Athena Institute, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Marlies J Visser
- Faculty of Science, Athena Institute, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Sarju S Rai
- Faculty of Science, Athena Institute, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Ruth M H Peters
- Faculty of Science, Athena Institute, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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15
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Mvilongo PTN, Vanhamel J, Siegel M, Nöstlinger C. The '4th 90' target as a strategy to improve health-related quality of life of people living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa. Trop Med Int Health 2022; 27:1026-1043. [PMID: 36268604 DOI: 10.1111/tmi.13825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Next to monitoring the clinical health of people living with HIV through the triple 90 targets, a 4th 90 target was proposed in 2016 to improve HIV health-related quality of life (HrQoL) by addressing comorbidities and other psychosocial challenges. This scoping review aimed at understanding related psychosocial determinants, including strategies to improve HrQoL for people living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), as an initiative to ameliorate the continuum of care. METHODS This scoping review followed PRISMA guidelines. We searched PubMed and Wiley databases from 01 January 2011 to 19 April 2021 for articles on HrQoL, including determinants and related interventions in SSA. We also conducted a manual search to retrieve grey literature on the '4th 90' target. The six domains of HrQoL defined in the most widely used instrument (i.e., WHOQOL-HIV-BREF tool) served as a guiding framework. RESULTS Thirty-three articles were included for analysis. Seven articles illustrated the ongoing debate on the 4th 90 target, highlighting challenges with measuring indicators. Nine articles discussed HrQoL domains, reporting the highest scores in the spirituality and physical domains and lowest scores in the social and environmental domains. The presence of stigma and depressive symptoms was associated with low HrQoL. Seventeen articles discussed HrQoL interventions, highlighting that improved HrQoL enhanced health-seeking behaviour. Only two interventions addressed the environmental domain highlighting the fact that selection of intervention aims were not evidence led. CONCLUSION Introducing the 4th 90 target in SSA as a strategy to enhance HrQoL amongst people living with HIV could improve the HIV continuum of care; however, efforts are required to effectively address environmental and structural determinants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prudence Tatiana Nti Mvilongo
- Global Health Systems Solutions, Douala, Cameroon.,Department of Public Health, Sexual and Reproductive Health Research Group, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Jef Vanhamel
- Department of Public Health, Sexual and Reproductive Health Research Group, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Magdalena Siegel
- Department of Public Health, Sexual and Reproductive Health Research Group, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium.,Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christiana Nöstlinger
- Department of Public Health, Sexual and Reproductive Health Research Group, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
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16
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Alenezi A. Stigmatization and discrimination towards human immunodeficiency virus seropositive patients in psychiatric and mental health facilities. Int J Ment Health Nurs 2022; 31:1198-1212. [PMID: 35678330 DOI: 10.1111/inm.13030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Stigmatization and discriminatory attitudes of nurses towards human immunodeficiency (HIV) patients have been reported in many countries. The current study was undertaken to assess the knowledge, attitudes and factors associated with stigmatizing attitudes and discrimination among psychiatric and mental health nurses and nurse interns towards patients diagnosed with the human immunodeficiency virus; utilizing a single-centre hospital-based survey design. Primary data were collected using a previously validated questionnaire in a large mental health care hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Knowledge, attitudes, acts of discrimination and associated factors on the part of mental health nurses towards those diagnosed with the HIV were identified. The study described herein is in accordance with the STROBE guideline. A total of 241 psychiatric and mental health nurses completed the questionnaire, yielding a completion rate of 74.4%. Overall, more than half of the nurses demonstrated gaps in knowledge and reported higher stigmatizing attitudes and acts of discrimination. Factors associated with stigmatization and/or discrimination include higher exposure to seropositive patients, no formal HIV training, lower religiousness, lower awareness of HIV testing policy and lower level of knowledge about HIV infection. There is an urgent need to implement a training program that will help to reduce stigma among nurses caring for people diagnosed with this illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atallah Alenezi
- Department of Nursing, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Shaqra University, Shaqra, Saudi Arabia
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17
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Li G, Ali K, Gao X, Lu S, Xu W, Zhu X. Impact of Asymptomatic Neurosyphilis on Patients Quality of Life and Social Stigma. Psychol Res Behav Manag 2022; 15:2683-2689. [PMID: 36160273 PMCID: PMC9505332 DOI: 10.2147/prbm.s382100] [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: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background/Objectives Neurosyphilis is a disease caused by Treponema pallidum when it invades the central nervous system. Asymptomatic neurosyphilis (ANS) is one of the most common types of neurosyphilis, however it is often misdiagnosed. This study aimed to explore the impact of ANS on patient's quality of life and social stigma. Methods A total of 159 ANS patients were diagnosed by their serology and cerebrospinal fluid. These patients' stigma and quality of life were assessed separately through the Social Impact Scale (SIS) and the Easy Response Questionnaire. Results The average age was 36.25±8.36 years old, and 114 patients were males (71.69%). The serum syphilis test of 159 selected patients was positive, and the indicators of nucleus cells, protein quantification, and syphilis antibodies in the cerebrospinal fluid met the criteria for ANS. The total stigma score was (40.23 ±10.12), with the scores of the different entries being clearly differentiated, with the highest being the 15th entry (I feel I need to keep my illness a secret), with an average score of 3.15/4. Conclusion Patients with asymptomatic neurosyphilis may feel social stigma and are more negative when facing their disease. Health-care workers should be aware of the particular aspects of their condition and pay special attention to the need for patient privacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guiping Li
- Mental Health Center Affiliated Hangzhou Seventh People's Hospital Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310013, People's Republic of China
| | - Kamran Ali
- Department of Dermatology, International Education College of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310006, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiujun Gao
- Mental Health Center Affiliated Hangzhou Seventh People's Hospital Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310013, People's Republic of China
| | - Sha Lu
- Mental Health Center Affiliated Hangzhou Seventh People's Hospital Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310013, People's Republic of China
| | - Weiqin Xu
- Mental Health Center Affiliated Hangzhou Seventh People's Hospital Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310013, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoying Zhu
- Mental Health Center Affiliated Hangzhou Seventh People's Hospital Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310013, People's Republic of China
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18
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Collier S, Singh R, Semeere A, Byakwaga H, Laker‐Oketta M, McMahon DE, Chemtai L, Grant M, Butler L, Bogart L, Bassett IV, Kiprono S, Maurer T, Martin J, Busakhala N, Freeman EE. Telling the story of intersectional stigma in HIV-associated Kaposi's sarcoma in western Kenya: a convergent mixed-methods approach. J Int AIDS Soc 2022; 25 Suppl 1:e25918. [PMID: 35818882 PMCID: PMC9274375 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The experience of stigma can be multifaceted for people with HIV and cancer. Kaposi's sarcoma (KS), one of the most common HIV-associated cancers in sub-Saharan Africa, often presents with visible skin lesions that may put people at risk for stigmatization. In this way, HIV-associated KS is unique, as people with KS can experience stigma associated with HIV, cancer, and skin disease simultaneously. The aim of this study is to characterize the intersectionality of HIV-related, cancer-related and skin disease-related stigma in people living with HIV and KS. METHODS We used a convergent mixed-methods approach nested within a longitudinal study of people with HIV-associated KS in western Kenya. Between February 2019 and December 2020, we collected quantitative surveys among all participants and conducted semi-structured interviews among a purposive sample of participants. Quantitative surveys were adapted from the abridged Berger HIV Stigma Scale to assess overall stigma, HIV-related stigma, cancer-related stigma, and skin disease-related stigma. Qualitative data were coded using stigma constructs from the Health Stigma and Discrimination Framework. RESULTS In 88 semi-structured interviews, stigma was a major barrier to KS diagnosis and treatment among people with HIV-associated KS. Participant's stories of stigma were dominated by HIV-related stigma, more than cancer-related or skin disease-related stigma. However, quantitative stigma scores among the 117 participants were similar for HIV-related (Median: 28.00; IQR: 28.0, 34.0), cancer-related (Median: 28.0; IQR: 28.0, 34.8), and skin disease-related stigma (Median: 28.0; IQR: 27.0, 34.0). In semi-structured interviews, cancer-related and skin disease-related stigma were more subtle contributors; cancer-related stigma was linked to fatalism and skin-related stigma was linked to visible disease. Participants reported resolution of skin lesions contributed to lessening stigma over time; there was a significant decline in quantitative scores of overall stigma in time since KS diagnosis (adjusted β = -0.15, p <0.001). CONCLUSIONS This study highlights the role mixed-method approaches can play in better understanding stigma in people living with both HIV and cancer. While HIV-related stigma may dominate perceptions of stigma among people with KS in Kenya, intersectional experiences of stigma may be subtle, and quantitative evaluation alone may be insufficient to understand intersectional stigma in certain contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sigrid Collier
- Division of DermatologyUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
| | - Rhea Singh
- Virginia Commonwealth University School of MedicineRichmondVirginiaUSA
- Massachusetts General HospitalHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Aggrey Semeere
- Infectious Disease InstituteMakerere UniversityKampalaUganda
| | - Helen Byakwaga
- Infectious Disease InstituteMakerere UniversityKampalaUganda
| | | | - Devon E. McMahon
- Massachusetts General HospitalHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Linda Chemtai
- Academic Model Providing Access to HealthcareEldoretKenya
| | - Merridy Grant
- Centre for Rural HealthUniversity of KwaZulu‐NatalDurbanSouth Africa
| | - Lisa Butler
- Institute for Collaboration on HealthIntervention and PolicyUniversity of ConnecticutStorrsConnecticutUSA
| | | | - Ingrid V. Bassett
- Massachusetts General HospitalHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Samson Kiprono
- Academic Model Providing Access to HealthcareEldoretKenya
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of MedicineCollege of Health SciencesMoi UniversityEldoretKenya
| | - Toby Maurer
- Department of DermatologyIndiana UniversityIndianapolisIndianaUSA
| | - Jeffrey Martin
- Department of Epidemiology and BiostatisticsUniversity of California San FranciscoSan FranciscoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Naftali Busakhala
- Academic Model Providing Access to HealthcareEldoretKenya
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of MedicineCollege of Health SciencesMoi UniversityEldoretKenya
| | - Esther E. Freeman
- Massachusetts General HospitalHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
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19
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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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20
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Pollack TM, Duong HT, Nhat Vinh DT, Phuong DT, Thuy DH, Nhung VTT, Uyen NK, Linh VT, Van Truong N, Le Ai KA, Ninh NT, Nguyen A, Canh HD, Cosimi LA. A pretest-posttest design to assess the effectiveness of an intervention to reduce HIV-related stigma and discrimination in healthcare settings in Vietnam. J Int AIDS Soc 2022; 25 Suppl 1:e25932. [PMID: 35818864 PMCID: PMC9274370 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Stigma and discrimination are important barriers to HIV epidemic control. We implemented a multi‐pronged facility‐level intervention to reduce stigma and discrimination at health facilities across three high‐burden provinces. Key components of the intervention included measurement of stigma, data review and use, participatory training of healthcare workers (HCWs), and engagement of people living with HIV and key populations in all stigma reduction activities. Methods From July 2018 to July 2019, we assessed HIV‐related stigma and discrimination among patients and HCWs at 10 facilities at baseline and 9 months following an intervention. A repeated measures design was used to assess the change in stigma and discrimination among HCWs and a repeated cross‐sectional design assessed the change in stigma and discrimination experienced by PLHIV. HCWs at target facilities were invited at random and PLHIV were recruited when presenting for care during the two assessment periods. McNemar's test was used to compare paired proportions among HCWs, and chi‐square test was used to compare proportions among PLHIV. Mixed models were used to compare outcomes before and after the intervention. Results Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 649 and 652 PLHIV prior to and following the intervention, respectively. At baseline, over the previous 12 months, 21% reported experiencing discrimination, 16% reported self‐stigma, 14% reported HIV disclosure without consent and 7% had received discriminatory reproductive health advice. Nine months after the intervention, there was a decrease in reported stigma and discrimination across all domains to 15%, 11%, 7% and 3.5%, respectively (all p‐values <0.05). Among HCWs, 672 completed the pre‐ and post‐intervention assessment. At baseline, 81% reported fear of HIV infection, 69% reported using unnecessary precautions when caring for PLHIV, 44% reported having observed other staff discriminate against PLHIV, 54% reported negative attitudes towards PLHIV and 41% felt uncomfortable working with colleagues living with HIV. The proportions decreased after the intervention to 52%, 34%, 32%, 35% and 24%, respectively (all p‐values <0.05). Conclusions A multi‐pronged facility‐level intervention was successful at reducing healthcare‐associated HIV‐related stigma in Vietnam. The findings support the scale‐up of this intervention in Vietnam and highlight key components potentially applicable in other settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Todd M Pollack
- Partnership for Health Advancement in Vietnam, Hanoi, Vietnam.,Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Hao Thi Duong
- Partnership for Health Advancement in Vietnam, Hanoi, Vietnam.,Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | | | - Do Thi Phuong
- Partnership for Health Advancement in Vietnam, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Do Huu Thuy
- Vietnam Authority of HIV/AIDS Control, Ministry of Health, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | | | | | - Vuong The Linh
- Binh Duong Center for Disease Control, Binh Duong, Vietnam
| | | | - Kim Anh Le Ai
- Thai Nguyen Center for Disease Control, Thai Nguyen, Vietnam
| | | | - Asia Nguyen
- Division of Global HIV and TB, Center for Global Health, United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Vietnam, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Hoang Dinh Canh
- Vietnam Authority of HIV/AIDS Control, Ministry of Health, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Lisa A Cosimi
- Partnership for Health Advancement in Vietnam, Hanoi, Vietnam.,Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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21
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Zhang N, Lai F, Guo Y, Wang L. Status of and Factors Influencing the Stigma of Chinese Young and Middle-Aged Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients: A Preliminary Study. Front Psychol 2022; 13:873444. [PMID: 35645865 PMCID: PMC9130852 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.873444] [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: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Many young and middle-aged maintenance hemodialysis patients suffer a poor prognosis, experience a series of problems during long-term treatment and are thus prone to stigma. This study was designed to analyze stigma in young and middle-aged maintenance hemodialysis patients and explore its influencing factors. This study was conducted as a cross-sectional descriptive study with a convenience sampling method and included 97 patients from Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People’s Hospital between November 2020 and February 2021. The Social Impact Scale, a demographic questionnaire, and hemodialysis indicators were used in the investigation. Patient biochemical indexes from hemodialysis were compared. Young and middle-aged maintenance hemodialysis patients had a medium level of stigma. Patients who had low income, were younger, were male, had long-term hemodialysis and were unemployed had significantly higher stigma scores than other patients (P < 0.05). Age, gender, occupational status, annual household income and the duration of hemodialysis were found to be the main factors related to stigma in young and middle-aged maintenance hemodialysis patients by multiple regression analysis. Perceptions of hemodialysis-related stigma were common in our sample. Patients who had low income, were younger, were male, had long-term hemodialysis and were employed had a higher level of stigma, which deserves attention from clinical medical workers. Replication studies are needed to confirm these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Zhang
- Department of Nursing, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Fengxia Lai
- School of Nursing, Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Yong Guo
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Lan Wang
- Department of Nursing, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, China
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22
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Stigmatizing Attitudes toward People Living with HIV among Young Women Migrant Workers in Vietnam. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19116366. [PMID: 35681951 PMCID: PMC9180544 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19116366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Despite intensive HIV education and prevention efforts in the past few years, stigmatizing attitudes toward people living with HIV (PLWH) remain a major barrier to HIV prevention and treatment efforts in Vietnam. The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence of stigmatizing attitudes regarding HIV and identify correlative factors that impact the perceptions of PLWH among a heretofore overlooked demographic in Vietnamese society: women who are migrant workers in designated industrial zones (IZs). A cross-sectional study was conducted among 1061 women migrant workers aged 18 to 29 from January 2020 to November 2020 in Hanoi, Vietnam. Stigmatizing attitudes toward PLWH were measured using a four-item scale. Multiple logistic regression was conducted to examine the factors associated with stigmatizing attitudes. Our findings indicate both substantial levels of stigma persisting among this demographic group as well as the influence of important mitigating factors on the expression of HIV-related stigma. Over seventy-six percent (76.2%) of the participants reported having at least one of the four stigmatizing attitudes. Greater levels of stigmatizing attitudes toward PLWH were significantly associated with lower HIV knowledge, lower levels of education, and identifying as Kinh (the ethnic majority in Vietnam). Additionally, this study found that questions framing HIV infection through a familial lens were significantly associated with lower rates of stigmatizing responses. The high overall levels of stigmatizing attitudes toward PLWH among the study participants suggests that there is an urgent need for the development of culturally appropriate interventions and outreach education activities to reduce stigmatizing attitudes toward PLWH among women who are migrant workers working in the IZs in Vietnam. This study adds to both the existing literature and current efforts and policies around HIV in Vietnam by empirically suggesting that familial-based messaging may be a powerful potential narrative for interventions addressing HIV-related issues such as stigma.
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23
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Lofgren SM, Kigozi J, Natala NG, Tsui S, Arinda A, Akinyange V, Sebuliba R, Boulware DR, Castelnuovo B. Can COVID-19 changes reduce stigma in African HIV clinics? Lancet HIV 2022; 9:e304-e305. [PMID: 35334225 PMCID: PMC8940182 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-3018(22)00045-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah M Lofgren
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Internal Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
| | - Joanita Kigozi
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Nakita G Natala
- Psychiatry Department, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | | | - Anita Arinda
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Raymond Sebuliba
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - David R Boulware
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Internal Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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24
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Taft TH, Craven MR, Adler EP, Simons M, Nguyen L. Stigma experiences of patients living with gastroparesis. Neurogastroenterol Motil 2022; 34:e14223. [PMID: 34337831 DOI: 10.1111/nmo.14223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Stigmatization toward chronic digestive diseases is well documented. Patients perceive others hold negative stereotypes toward their disease and may internalize these beliefs as true. Because of this, stigmatization is associated with poor outcomes across disease-related and psychosocial domains. No study to date evaluates stigmatization toward patients living with gastroparesis (GP), a poorly understood disease affecting gastric motility. We aimed to gain deep understanding of stigma in patients living with gastroparesis. METHODS Patients with GP were recruited from two university-based gastroenterology practices as well as patient advocacy support groups. Participants underwent a semi-structured qualitative interview about their experiences with stigma related to their GP diagnosis, which were audio-recorded and transcribed to text for analysis using a grounded theory approach. Major themes with representative quotations were documented. RESULTS Twenty-three patients participated. The majority were White, female, with idiopathic GP under the care of a gastroenterologist. All patients reported stigma related to GP. Seven major themes were found: stigma from healthcare providers, stigma within interpersonal relationships, GP as an invisible disease, blame, unsolicited suggestions on how to manage disease, disclosure, and stigma resistance. CONCLUSIONS This is the first study to describe stigma experiences in patients with GP. The results suggest patients experience considerable stigmatization toward their condition from multiple sources. Patients also demonstrated resistance to negative beliefs, which can serve as a protective factor for the negative effects of disease stigma. Clinicians should be aware of stigma in GP patients, including their own potential internal biases and behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiffany H Taft
- Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Meredith R Craven
- Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Emerald P Adler
- Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.,Division of Gastroenterology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Madison Simons
- Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Linda Nguyen
- Division of Gastroenterology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
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25
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Daw MA, El-Bouzedi AH, Ahmed MO. The Impact of Armed Conflict on the Prevalence and Transmission Dynamics of HIV Infection in Libya. Front Public Health 2022; 10:779778. [PMID: 35433583 PMCID: PMC9009867 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.779778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The interrelationships between HIV/AIDS and armed conflict are a complex phenomenon, and studies are rarely devoted to this area of research. Libya is the second-largest country in Africa that has been evoked with war since the NATO intervention in 2011. The country has also experienced one of the largest HIV outbreaks associated with the Bulgarian nurse's saga. The effect of the armed conflict on the dynamic spread of HIV is not yet well-known. The objectives of this study were to determine the impact of armed conflict on the epidemiological situation of HIV infection in Libya and to analyze the transmission dynamics of HIV strains during the conflict. We investigated the movement of people with HIV during the Libyan armed conflict, analyzed the HIV subtypes reported from 2011 to 2020, and followed up the infected cases all over the country. The patterns of HIV spread within the Libyan regions were traced, and the risk factors were determined during the conflict period. A total of 4,539 patients with HIV/AIDS were studied from the four regions during the Libyan conflict. Our data analysis indicated that Benghazi, the biggest city in the Eastern region, was the significant exporter of the virus to the rest of the country. The viral dissemination changes were observed within the country, particularly after 2015. A major virus flows from the Eastern region during the armed conflict associated with internally displaced people. This resulted in the dissemination of new HIV strains and accumulations of HIV cases in western and middle regions. Although, there were no significant changes in the national prevalence of HIV/AIDS. Our data highlight the factors that complicated the spread and dissemination of HIV during the armed conflict, which provide a better understanding of the interaction between them. This could be used to plan for effective preventive measures in tackling the spread of HIV in conflict and post-conflict settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Ali Daw
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tripoli, Tripoli, Libya
- *Correspondence: Mohamed Ali Daw
| | | | - Mohamed Omar Ahmed
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tripoli, Tripoli, Libya
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26
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Langi GG, Rahadi A, Praptoraharjo I, Ahmad RA. HIV-related stigma and discrimination among health care workers during early program decentralization in rural district Gunungkidul, Indonesia: a cross-sectional study. BMC Health Serv Res 2022; 22:356. [PMID: 35300667 PMCID: PMC8932246 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-022-07751-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Expanding HIV services by decentralizing provision to primary care raises a possible concern of HIV-related stigma and discrimination (SAD) from health care workers (HCWs) as new service points gain experience in HIV care delivery during early implementation. We surveyed indicators and examined the correlates of HIV-related SAD among HCWs in a decentralizing district of rural Gunungkidul, Indonesia. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional survey on a random stratified sample of 234 HCWs in 14 public health facilities (one district hospital, 13 primary health centers [PHC]) during the second year of decentralization roll-out in the district. We computed the prevalence of SAD indicators and used multivariable logistic regression to identify the correlates of these SAD indicators. RESULTS The prevalence of SAD among HCWs was similarly high between hospital and PHC HCWs for fear of HIV transmission (~71%) and perceived negative image of PHIV (~75%). Hospital HCWs exhibited somewhat lower avoidance of service duties (52.6% vs. 63.7%; p = 0.088) with weak evidence of a difference and significantly higher levels of discriminatory practice (96.1% vs. 85.6%; p = 0.009) than those working in PHCs. Recent interactions with PLHIV and receipt of training lowered the odds of fear of HIV transmission (p <0.021). However, the odds of avoiding care duties increased with receipt of training (p =0.003) and decreased for hospital HCWs (p = 0.030). HIV knowledge lowered the odds of discriminatory practice (p = 0.002), but hospital facility and nurse/midwife cadres were associated with increased odds of discriminatory practices (p <0.021). No significant correlate was found for perceived negative image of PLHIV. CONCLUSION HIV-related SAD among HCWs can be prevalent during early decentralization, highlighting the need for timely or preparatory interventions with a focus on building the capacity of hospital and non-physician workforce for positive patient-provider interactions when delivering HIV care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaby G Langi
- University Center of Excellence, AIDS Research Center, Health Policy and Social Innovation, Atma Jaya Catholic University of Indonesia, DKI Jakarta, 12930, Indonesia.
- Field Epidemiology Training Program (FETP), Department of Biostatistics Epidemiology and Population Health, Faculty of Medicine Public Health and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, 55281, Indonesia.
| | - Arie Rahadi
- University Center of Excellence, AIDS Research Center, Health Policy and Social Innovation, Atma Jaya Catholic University of Indonesia, DKI Jakarta, 12930, Indonesia.
| | - Ignatius Praptoraharjo
- University Center of Excellence, AIDS Research Center, Health Policy and Social Innovation, Atma Jaya Catholic University of Indonesia, DKI Jakarta, 12930, Indonesia
- Center for Health Policy and Management, Faculty of Medicine Public Health and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, 55281, Indonesia
| | - Riris A Ahmad
- Field Epidemiology Training Program (FETP), Department of Biostatistics Epidemiology and Population Health, Faculty of Medicine Public Health and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, 55281, Indonesia
- Center for Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Public Health and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, 55281, Indonesia
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review summarizes technology-based interventions for HIV in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). We highlight potential benefits and challenges to using telehealth in LMICs and propose areas for future study. RECENT FINDINGS We identified several models for using telehealth to expand HIV health care access in LMICs, including telemedicine visits for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and antiretroviral therapy (ART) services, telementoring programs for providers, and virtual peer-support groups. Emerging data support the acceptability and feasibility of these strategies. However, further investigations are needed to determine whether these models are scalable and sustainable in the face of barriers related to cost, infrastructure, and regulatory approval. HIV telehealth interventions may be a valuable approach to addressing gaps along the HIV care cascade in LMICs. Future studies should focus on strategies for expanding existing programs to scale and for assessing long-term clinical outcomes.
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Lemons-Lyn A, Reidy W, Myint WW, Chan KN, Abrams E, Aung ZZ, Benech I, Bingham T, Desai M, Khin EE, Lin T, Olsen H, Oo HN, Wells C, Mital S. Optimizing HIV Services for Key Populations in Public-Sector Clinics in Myanmar. J Int Assoc Provid AIDS Care 2021; 20:23259582211055933. [PMID: 34821151 PMCID: PMC8640295 DOI: 10.1177/23259582211055933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Key populations, ie, female sex workers, men who have sex with men, transgender people, people who inject drugs, and people in prisons and other closed settings, experience stigma, discrimination, and structural barriers when accessing HIV prevention and care. Public health facilities in Myanmar became increasingly involved in HIV service delivery, leading to an urgent need for healthcare workers to provide client-centred, key population-friendly services. Between July 2017-June 2018, the Myanmar Ministry of Health and Sports and National AIDS Programme collaborated with ICAP at Columbia University and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to implement a quasi-experimental, multicomponent intervention including healthcare worker sensitization training with pre- and post- knowledge assessments, healthcare worker and client satisfaction surveys, and structural changes. We observed modest improvements among healthcare workers (n = 50) in knowledge assessments. Classification of clients into key population groups increased and fewer clients were classified as low risk. Key population clients reported favourable perceptions of the quality and confidentiality of care through self-administered surveys. Our findings suggest public health facilities can deliver HIV services that are valued by key population clients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Khin N Chan
- 5798ICAP at Columbia University, Yangon, Myanmar
| | | | - Zaw Zaw Aung
- National AIDS Programme, Ministry of Health and Sports, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Irene Benech
- 1242Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Trista Bingham
- 1242Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Mitesh Desai
- 119199Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Ei Ei Khin
- 119199Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Tharaphi Lin
- 5798ICAP at Columbia University, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Halli Olsen
- 560848ICAP at Columbia University, New York, USA
| | - Htun Nyunt Oo
- National AIDS Programme, Ministry of Health and Sports, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Cassia Wells
- 560848ICAP at Columbia University, New York, USA
| | - Sasha Mital
- 1242Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
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Attal BA, Al-Rowaishan KM, Akeel AA, AlAmmar FK. HIV stigma in the teaching hospitals in Sana'a, Yemen: a conflict and low-resource setting. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:1793. [PMID: 34610815 PMCID: PMC8493713 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-11845-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV stigma undermines a person's wellbeing and quality of life and hinders HIV control efforts. This study examined the extent and drivers of HIV stigma in the teaching hospitals in Sana'a City, Yemen. The country has low HIV prevalence (4000 (2000-11,000) per 100,000) and limited HIV control funds, worsened by a long conflict and an economic crisis. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional study of 320 Yemeni health professionals in all the four teaching hospitals in Sana'a City. Data were collected anonymously, using an adapted self-completed Arabic version of the Health Policy Project HIV Stigma tool. The questionnaire covered the respondents' background, the stigmatising practices, and potential personal and professional drivers of stigma. RESULTS The majority of the participants were: females (68%), 20-39 years old (85%), nurses (84%), and holding a nursing diploma (69%) or a bachelor's degree (27%). None of the hospitals had institutional policies against HIV stigma, and 93% of the participants believed the current infection control measures were inadequate. Less than half of the participants provided care for people living with HIV (PLHIV) (45%), had received HIV training (33%), and were confident that their HIV knowledge was adequate (23%). The majority indicated a preference to test patients for HIV prior to surgical procedures (77%) and disclose positive HIV results to others (99%) without prior knowledge or consent. All the participants had exhibited a form of HIV-related stigmatization, such as avoiding physical contact with PLHIV (87%) or wearing gloves throughout the consultation (96.5%). These practices were significantly correlated with the fear of infection, high perceived risk of infection, and poor work environment (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION PLHIV face widespread stigmatizing behaviour in the teaching hospitals in Sana'a City, consistent with the higher level of stigma in low HIV prevalence countries and its links to the fear of infection, poor HIV knowledge, and limited funding for HIV control. Stigma reduction interventions are required at institutional and individual levels. In addition, anti-discrimination policies and structural adjustments are needed, in combination with training on HIV and universal precautions, and action to tackle negative attitudes towards PLHIV and key populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bothaina Ahmed Attal
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sana'a University, The Sixty St., Sana'a, Yemen. .,Affiliated researcher at the Centre for Business Research, Cambridge Judge Business School, Cambridge, UK.
| | | | | | - Fawziah Kassim AlAmmar
- Educational and Psychological Sciences Department, Faculty of Education, Art and Applied Sciences, Amran University, Amran, Yemen
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Njejimana N, Gómez-Tatay L, Hernández-Andreu JM. HIV-AIDS Stigma in Burundi: A Qualitative Descriptive Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18179300. [PMID: 34501890 PMCID: PMC8431207 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18179300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
HIV/AIDS stigma is a global issue and a serious problem in African countries. Although prevalence remains high in this region, no detailed study has yet been carried out to determine and characterize this problem in Burundi. Using a qualitative analysis based on an extensive series of 114 interviews, we describe the main characteristics of HIV stigma in the country. The results of our study indicate that the problem of HIV/AIDS stigma is widespread in Burundian society, as all participants in the research reported having experienced some kind of HIV stigma. The seven dimensions of stigma identified in people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in Burundi are physical violence, verbal violence, marginalization, discrimination, self-stigma, fear and insecurity, and healthcare provider stigma. These dimensions of stigma can be experienced through different manifestations, which have been characterized in this study, revealing that the problem of stigma in PLWHA is still an important issue in Burundi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Néstor Njejimana
- Escuela de Doctorado, Universidad Católica de Valencia San Vicente Mártir, 46001 Valencia, Spain;
| | - Lucía Gómez-Tatay
- Institute of Life Sciences, Universidad Católica de Valencia San Vicente Mártir, 46001 Valencia, Spain;
- Grupo de Medicina Molecular y Mitocondrial, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Católica de Valencia San Vicente Mártir, 46001 Valencia, Spain
- Correspondence:
| | - José Miguel Hernández-Andreu
- Institute of Life Sciences, Universidad Católica de Valencia San Vicente Mártir, 46001 Valencia, Spain;
- Grupo de Medicina Molecular y Mitocondrial, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Católica de Valencia San Vicente Mártir, 46001 Valencia, Spain
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Asabor EN, Lett E, Moll A, Shenoi SV. "We've Got Our Own Beliefs, Attitudes, Myths": A Mixed Methods Assessment of Rural South African Health Care Workers' Knowledge of and Attitudes Towards PrEP Implementation. AIDS Behav 2021; 25:2517-2532. [PMID: 33763802 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-021-03213-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
South Africa maintains the world's largest HIV prevalence, accounting for 20.4% of people living with HIV internationally. HIV Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has demonstrated efficacy; however, there is limited data on PrEP implementation in South Africa, particularly in rural areas. Using grounded theory analysis of semi-structured interviews and exploratory factor analyses of structured surveys, this mixed methods study examines healthcare workers' (HCWs)' beliefs about their patients and the likelihood of PrEP uptake in their communities. The disproportionate burden of HIV among Black South Africans is linked to the legacy of apartheid and resulting disparities in wealth and employment. HCWs in our study emphasized the importance of addressing these structural barriers, including increased travel burden among men in the community looking for work, poor transportation infrastructure, and limited numbers of highly skilled clinical staff in their rural community. HCWs also espoused a vision of PrEP that prioritizes women due to perceived constraints on their sexual agency, and that minimizes the impact of HIV-related stigma on PrEP implementation. However, HCWs' additional concerns for risk compensation may reflect dominant social mores around sexual behavior. In recognition of HCWs' role as both informants and community members, implementation scientists should invite local HCWs to partner as early as the priority-setting stage for PrEP interventions. Inviting leadership from local HCWs may increase the likelihood of delivery plans that account for unique local context and structural barriers researchers may otherwise struggle to uncover.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuella Ngozi Asabor
- Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale University School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA.
- Penn Medicine Center for Health Equity Advancement, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Elle Lett
- Penn Medicine Center for Health Equity Advancement, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Anthony Moll
- Church of Scotland Hospital, Tugela Ferry, South Africa
| | - Sheela V Shenoi
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
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Mashallahi A, Rahmani F, Gholizadeh L, Ostadtaghizadeh A. Nurses' experience of caring for people living with HIV: a focused ethnography. Int Nurs Rev 2021; 68:318-327. [PMID: 33969882 DOI: 10.1111/inr.12667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2020] [Revised: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Healthcare providers have been found to have limited knowledge and skills in interacting with people living with HIV. These factors can adversely affect providers' practice, jeopardize their safety and compromise the care of the patients. AIMS This study aimed to explore the experiences of Iranian nurses who were caring for patients with HIV. METHODS A focused ethnography approach was used. Participants consisted of 12 nurses working in teaching hospitals affiliated to Urmia University of Medical Sciences and recruited by purposeful sampling. Semi-structured interviews, field observations and field notes were used for data collection. Data were analysed employing content analysis. FINDINGS Three main themes emerged from the analysis of the participants' experiences of providing care to patients with HIV: 'excessive fear of being infected', 'concerns about the possible consequences' and 'lack of self-confidence in care provision'. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION Nurses have experienced a great deal of fear of self and cross-contamination when providing care to people living with HIV. Social stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV amplified the nurses' experience of fear. Providing appropriate education and training for nurses can improve their attitudes, emotions and self-confidence while providing care to such people and increasing the quality of care provided. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING AND HEALTH POLICY Planning more educational programmes focusing on improving their misunderstandings about HIV could result in positive outcomes: for nurses to provide high-quality care and for people living with HIV who receive this care. The healthcare system should consider the culture of care provided by nurses to these people.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Mashallahi
- School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - F Rahmani
- Research Center of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - L Gholizadeh
- Faculty of Health, University of Technology, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - A Ostadtaghizadeh
- Department of Disaster Public Health, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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