Intersecting stigma and HIV testing practices among urban refugee adolescents and youth in Kampala, Uganda: qualitative findings

Intersecting social-ecological vulnerabilities to and lived experiences of sexually transmitted infections among Syrian refugee women in Lebanon: A qualitative study

Conflict-affected women and girls living in protracted forced displacement settings are vulnerable to sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Yet, little is known about the risk factors for and lived experiences of STIs in complex humanitarian settings, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa, where STIs have long been understudied. This qualitative study adapts the social ecological model to characterize the multi-level risks for and lived experiences of STIs among Syrian refugee women resettled in an urban refugee camp in Beirut, Lebanon. Adopting a community-based sampling strategy, community health workers, who were refugee women from the camp, recruited and conducted in-depth interviews (IDIs) with 30 adult Syrian refugee women. Data were analyzed using an interpretative phenomenological approach and thematically organized according to the levels of the social ecological model. We identified a confluence of individual, interpersonal, community-based, and societal vulnerabilities to STIs, including extreme poverty and insecurity, patriarchal gender norms, stigma, sexual exploitation and trafficking, poor healthcare accessibility, intimate partner violence, including marital rape, transactional sex, sexual harassment, social isolation, and internalized stigma. Participants described experiencing bothersome symptoms and sequelae of advanced and untreated STIs in the setting of limited access to health services and challenges with engaging their partners in STI treatment, largely due to STI stigma. These novel findings suggest dynamic, interrelated social and health disparities across all social ecological levels influencing refugee women's sexual health, including their risk of STIs. Comprehensive, multi-sectorial interventions, which transcend traditional public health methods and which adopt a sexual well-being approach, are urgently needed to address systemic and intrapersonal violence against refugee women, examine and mitigate the burden of STIs, and ensure sexual justice and health equity in this protracted forced displacement setting.

Intersecting Stigma and the HIV Care Cascade: Qualitative Insights from Sex Workers, Men who have Sex with Men, and Transgender Women Living with HIV in Jamaica

In Jamaica, stigma experiences of sex workers (SW), gay men and other men who have sex with men (MSM), and transgender women living with HIV remain understudied. To address this gap, we explored experiences of stigma and linkages with the HIV care cascade among key populations living with HIV in Jamaica, including cisgender women SW, MSM, and transgender women. This qualitative study involved n = 9 focus groups (FG), n = 1 FG per population living with HIV (SW, MSM, transgender women) in each of three sites (Kingston, St. Ann, Montego Bay). We also conducted key informant (KI) interviews. We applied thematic analysis informed by the Health Stigma and Discrimination (HSD) Framework. FG participants (n = 67) included SW (n = 18), MSM (n = 28), and trans women (n = 21); we interviewed n = 10 KI (n = 5 cisgender women, n = 5 cisgender men). Participant discussions revealed that stigma drivers included low HIV treatment literacy, notably misinformation about antiretroviral therapy (ART) benefits and HIV acquisition risks, and a lack of legal protection from discrimination. Stigma targets health (HIV) and intersecting social identities (sex work, LGBTQ identities, gender non-conformity, low socio-economic status). Stigma manifestations included enacted stigma in communities and families, and internalized stigma-including lateral violence. HIV care cascade impacts included reduced and/or delayed HIV care engagement and ART adherence challenges/disruptions. Participants discussed strategies to live positively with HIV, including ART adherence as stigma resistance; social support and solidarity; and accessing affirming institutional support. In addition to addressing intersecting stigma, future research and programing should bolster multi-level stigma-resistance strategies to live positively with HIV.

HIV-related Shame among Women Giving Birth in Tanzania: A Mixed Methods Study

Women living with HIV (WLHIV) commonly experience HIV-related shame which can interfere with HIV care-seeking behavior and lead to poor clinical outcomes. HIV-related shame may be particularly heightened during the pregnancy and postpartum periods. This study aimed to describe HIV-related shame among WLHIV giving birth, identify associated factors, and qualitatively examine the impacts of HIV-related shame on the childbirth experience. Postpartum WLHIV (n = 103) were enrolled in the study between March and July 2022 at six clinics in the Kilimanjaro Region, Tanzania. Participants completed a survey within 48 h after birth, prior to being discharged. The survey included a 13-item measure of HIV-related shame, which assessed levels of HIV-related shame (Range: 0-52). Univariable and multivariable regression models examined factors associated with HIV-related shame. Qualitative in-depth interviews were conducted with pregnant WLHIV (n = 12) and postpartum WLHIV (n = 12). Thematic analysis, including memo writing, coding, and synthesis, was employed to analyze the qualitative data. The survey sample had a mean age of 29.1 (SD = 5.7), and 52% were diagnosed with HIV during the current pregnancy. Nearly all participants (98%) endorsed at least one item reflecting HIV-related shame, with an average endorsement of 9 items (IQR = 6). In the final multivariable model, HIV-related shame was significantly associated with being Muslim vs. Christian (ß = 6.80; 95%CI: 1.51, 12.09), attending less than four antenatal care appointments (ß = 5.30; 95%CI: 0.04, 10.55), and reporting experiences of HIV stigma in the health system (ß = 0.69; 95%CI: 0.27, 1.12). Qualitative discussions revealed three key themes regarding the impact of HIV-related shame on the childbirth experience: reluctance to disclose HIV status, suboptimal adherence to care, and the influence on social support networks. WLHIV giving birth experience high rates of HIV-related shame, and social determinants may contribute to feelings of shame. HIV-related shame impacts the childbirth experience for WLHIV, making the labor and delivery setting an important site for intervention and support.The study is funded by the National Institutes of Health (R21 TW012001) and is registered on clinicaltrials.gov (NCT05271903).

'Remember there is that thing called confidentiality': experiences of institutional discrimination in the health system among adolescent boys and young men living with HIV in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa

Adolescents and men are two populations that perform poorly within the HIV cascade of care, having worse AIDS-related health outcomes, and experiencing higher levels of HIV-related stigma. This paper explores institutional health system discrimination as experienced by adolescent boys with perinatally-acquired HIV, situating them within the social and gendered contexts of the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. Life history narratives (n = 36) and in-depth semi-structured interviews (n = 32) with adolescent boys living with HIV aged 13-22 were conducted in 2017-2018. In-depth semi-structured interviews with biomedical and traditional health practitioners (n = 14), analysis of health facility files (n = 41) and clinic observations were also conducted. Together, triangulated sources point to an incongruence between the complex needs of adoelscent boys and young men living with HIV and their experiences within the health system. Two institutional discrimination-related deterrents to retention in care were identified: (1) lack of confidentiality due to health facility layouts and practices that visibilised people living with HIV; and (2) mistreatment in the form of shouting. This article contributes to the limited literature on the experiences of young men within the HIV continuum of care, focusing on how stigma influences how young men experience and engage with the health sector.

Sexual and reproductive health among forcibly displaced persons in urban environments in low and middle-income countries: scoping review findings

BACKGROUND

Most forcibly displaced persons are hosted in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). There is a growing urbanization of forcibly displaced persons, whereby most refugees and nearly half of internally displaced persons live in urban areas. This scoping review assesses the sexual and reproductive health (SRH) needs, outcomes, and priorities among forcibly displaced persons living in urban LMIC.

METHODS

Following The Joanna Briggs Institute scoping review methodology we searched eight databases for literature published between 1998 and 2023 on SRH needs among urban refugees in LMIC. SHR was operationalized as any dimension of sexual health (comprehensive sexuality education [CSE]; sexual and gender based violence [GBV]; HIV and STI prevention and control; sexual function and psychosexual counseling) and/or reproductive health (antental, intrapartum, and postnatal care; contraception; fertility care; safe abortion care). Searches included peer-reviewed and grey literature studies across quantitative, qualitative, or mixed-methods designs.

FINDINGS

The review included 92 studies spanning 100 countries: 55 peer-reviewed publications and 37 grey literature reports. Most peer-reviewed articles (n = 38) discussed sexual health domains including: GBV (n = 23); HIV/STI (n = 19); and CSE (n = 12). Over one-third (n = 20) discussed reproductive health, including: antenatal, intrapartum and postnatal care (n = 13); contraception (n = 13); fertility (n = 1); and safe abortion (n = 1). Eight included both reproductive and sexual health. Most grey literature (n = 29) examined GBV vulnerabilities. Themes across studies revealed social-ecological barriers to realizing optimal SRH and accessing SRH services, including factors spanning structural (e.g., livelihood loss), health institution (e.g., lack of health insurance), community (e.g., reduced social support), interpersonal (e.g., gender inequitable relationships), and intrapersonal (e.g., low literacy) levels.

CONCLUSIONS

This review identified displacement processes, resource insecurities, and multiple forms of stigma as factors contributing to poor SRH outcomes, as well as producing SRH access barriers for forcibly displaced individuals in urban LMIC. Findings have implications for mobilizing innovative approaches such as self-care strategies for SRH (e.g., HIV self-testing) to address these gaps. Regions such as Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean are underrepresented in research in this review. Our findings can guide SRH providers, policymakers, and researchers to develop programming to address the diverse SRH needs of urban forcibly displaced persons in LMIC. Most forcibly displaced individuals live in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), with a significant number residing in urban areas. This scoping review examines the sexual and reproductive health (SRH) outcomes of forcibly displaced individuals in urban LMICs. We searched eight databases for relevant literature published between 1998 and 2023. Inclusion criteria encompassed peer-reviewed articles and grey literature. SRH was defined to include various dimensions of sexual health (comprehensive sexuality education; sexual and gender-based violence; HIV/ STI prevention; sexual function, and psychosexual counseling) and reproductive health (antenatal, intrapartum, and postnatal care; contraception; fertility care; and safe abortion care). We included 90 documents (53 peer-reviewed articles, 37 grey literature reports) spanning 100 countries. Most peer-reviewed articles addressed sexual health and approximately one-third centered reproductive health. The grey literature primarily explored sexual and gender-based violence vulnerabilities. Identified SRH barriers encompassed challenges across structural (livelihood loss), health institution (lack of insurance), community (reduced social support), interpersonal (gender inequities), and individual (low literacy) levels. Findings underscore gaps in addressing SRH needs among urban refugees in LMICs specifically regarding sexual function, fertility care, and safe abortion, as well as regional knowledge gaps regarding urban refugees in Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Self-care strategies for SRH (e.g., HIV self-testing, long-acting self-injectable contraception, abortion self-management) hold significant promise to address SRH barriers experienced by urban refugees and warrant further exploration with this population. Urgent research efforts are necessary to bridge these knowledge gaps and develop tailored interventions aimed at supporting urban refugees in LMICs.

Addressing the Impact of Climate Change on Sexual and Reproductive Health Among Adolescent Girls and Young Women in Low- and Middle-Income Countries

There is an urgent need to better understand the role of climate change on sexual and reproductive health outcomes, particularly among adolescent girls and young women in low- and middle-income countries. Stakeholders at all levels should apply a rights-based, gendered approach to climate action and adaptation.

Associations between climate change-related factors and sexual health: A scoping review

There is growing attention to the ways in which climate change may affect sexual health, yet key knowledge gaps remain across global contexts and climate issues. In response, we conducted a scoping review to examine the literature on associations between climate change and sexual health. We searched five databases (May 2021, September 2022). We reviewed 3,183 non-duplicate records for inclusion; n = 83 articles met inclusion criteria. Of these articles, n = 30 focused on HIV and other STIs, n = 52 focused on sexual and gender-based violence (GBV), and n = 1 focused on comprehensive sexuality education. Thematic analysis revealed that hurricanes, drought, temperature variation, flooding, and storms may influence HIV outcomes among people with HIV by constraining access to antiretroviral treatment and worsening mental health. Climate change was associated with HIV/STI testing barriers and worsened economic conditions that elevated HIV exposure (e.g. transactional sex). Findings varied regarding associations between GBV with storms and drought, yet most studies examining flooding, extreme temperatures, and bushfires reported positive associations with GBV. Future climate change research can examine understudied sexual health domains and a range of climate-related issues (e.g. heat waves, deforestation) for their relevance to sexual health. Climate-resilient sexual health approaches can integrate extreme weather events into programming.

Findings from the Tushirikiane mobile health (mHealth) HIV self-testing pragmatic trial with refugee adolescents and youth living in informal settlements in Kampala, Uganda

INTRODUCTION

Urban refugee youth remain underserved by current HIV prevention strategies, including HIV self-testing (HIVST). Examining HIVST feasibility with refugees can inform tailored HIV testing strategies. We examined if HIVST and mobile health (mHealth) delivery approaches could increase HIV testing uptake and HIV status knowledge among refugee youth in Kampala, Uganda.

METHODS

We conducted a three-arm pragmatic controlled trial across five informal settlements grouped into three sites in Kampala from 2020 to 2021 with peer-recruited refugee youth aged 16-24 years. The intervention was HIVST and HIVST + mHealth (HIVST with bidirectional SMS), compared with standard of care (SOC). Primary outcomes were self-reported HIV testing uptake and correct status knowledge verified by point-of-care testing. Some secondary outcomes included: depression, HIV-related stigma, and adolescent sexual and reproductive health (SRH) stigma at three time points (baseline [T0], 8 months [T1] and 12 months [T2]). We used generalized estimating equation regression models to estimate crude and adjusted odds ratios comparing arms over time, adjusting for age, gender and baseline imbalances. We assessed study pragmatism across PRECIS-2 dimensions.

RESULTS

We enrolled 450 participants (50.7% cisgender men, 48.7% cisgender women, 0.7% transgender women; mean age: 20.0, standard deviation: 2.4) across three sites. Self-reported HIV testing uptake increased significantly from T0 to T1 in intervention arms: HIVST arm: (27.6% [n = 43] at T0 vs. 91.2% [n = 135] at T1; HIVST + mHealth: 30.9% [n = 47] at T0 vs. 94.2% [n = 113] at T1]) compared with SOC (35.5% [n = 50] at T0 vs. 24.8% [ = 27] at T1) and remained significantly higher than SOC at T2 (p<0.001). HIV status knowledge in intervention arms (HIVST arm: 100% [n = 121], HIVST + mHealth arm: 97.9% [n = 95]) was significantly higher than SOC (61.5% [n = 59]) at T2. There were modest changes in secondary outcomes in intervention arms, including decreased depression alongside increased HIV-related stigma and adolescent SRH stigma. The trial employed both pragmatic (eligibility criteria, setting, organization, outcome, analysis) and explanatory approaches (recruitment path, flexibility of delivery flexibility, adherence flexibility, follow-up).

CONCLUSIONS

Offering HIVST is a promising approach to increase HIV testing uptake among urban refugee youth in Kampala. We share lessons learned to inform future youth-focused HIVST trials in urban humanitarian settings.

A syndemic of inequitable gender norms and intersecting stigmas on condom self-efficacy and practices among displaced youth living in urban slums in Uganda: a community-based cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Adverse socio-cultural factors compromise the implementation of HIV prevention strategies among displaced youth. While condoms are an affordable and effective HIV prevention strategy for youth, stigma and inequitable gender norms may constrain condom self-efficacy (i.e., knowledge, intentions, and relationship dynamics that facilitate condom negotiation) and use. Further, knowledge of contextually appropriate HIV prevention approaches are constrained by limited understanding of the socio-cultural conditions that affect condom self-efficacy and use among displaced youth. Guided by syndemics theory, we examine independent and joint effects of adverse socio-cultural factors associated with condom self-efficacy and use among displaced youth living in urban slums in Kampala, Uganda.

METHODS

We conducted a community-based cross-sectional survey of displaced youth aged 16-24 years living in five slums in Kampala. We used multivariable logistic regression and multivariate linear regression to assess independent and two-way interactions among adverse socio-cultural factors (adolescent sexual and reproductive health-related stigma [A-SRH stigma], perceived HIV-related stigma, and beliefs in harmful inequitable gender norms) on condom self-efficacy and recent consistent condom use. We calculated the prevalence and co-occurrence of adverse socio-cultural factors; conducted regression analyses to create unique profiles of adverse socio-cultural factors; and then assessed joint effects of adverse socio-cultural factors on condom self-efficacy and practices.

RESULTS

Among participants (mean age: 19.59 years; SD: 2.59; women: n = 333, men: n = 112), 62.5% were sexually active. Of these, only 53.3% reported recent consistent condom use. Overall, 42.73% of participants reported two co-occurring adverse socio-cultural factors, and 16.63% reported three co-occurring exposures. We found a joint effect of beliefs in harmful inequitable gender norms with high A-SRH stigma (β = - 0.20; p < 0.05) and high A-SRH stigma with high perceived HIV stigma (β = - 0.31; p < 0.001) on reduced condom self-efficacy. We found a multiplicative interaction between high A-SRH stigma with high perceived HIV stigma (aOR = 0.52; 95% CI 0.28, 0.96) on recent consistent condom use. Additionally, we found that condom self-efficacy (aOR = 1.01; 95% CI 1.05, 1.16) and safer sexual communication (aOR = 2.12; 95% CI 1.54, 2.91) acted as protective factors on inconsistent condom use.

CONCLUSIONS

Displaced youth living in urban slums exhibited low consistent condom use. Intersecting stigmas were associated with lower condom self-efficacy-a protective factor linked with increased consistent condom use. Findings highlight the importance of gender transformative and intersectional stigma reduction approaches to increase sexual agency and safer sex practices among Kampala's slum-dwelling displaced youth.

Intersectional Stigma and Implementation of HIV Prevention and Treatment Services for Adolescents Living with and at Risk for HIV: Opportunities for Improvement in the HIV Continuum in Sub-Saharan Africa

Adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa, specifically adolescent girls and young women, young men who have sex with men, transgender persons, persons who use substances, and adolescents experiencing homelessness experience intersectional stigma, have a high incidence of HIV and are less likely to be engaged in HIV prevention and care. We conducted a thematic analysis informed by the Health and Discrimination Framework using a multiple case study design with five case studies in 3 sub-Saharan African countries. Our analysis found commonalities in adolescents' intersectional stigma experiences across cases, despite different contexts. We characterize how intersectional stigma impacts the uptake and implementation of HIV prevention and treatment services along the continuum for adolescents. Findings reveal how intersectional stigma operates across social-ecological levels and worsens HIV-related outcomes for adolescents. We identify opportunities for implementation science research to address stigma-related barriers to the uptake and delivery of HIV services for adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa.

Todurujo na Kadurok (empowering youth): study protocol of an HIV self-testing and edutainment comic cluster randomised trial among refugee youth in a humanitarian setting in Uganda

INTRODUCTION

Refugees experience HIV vulnerabilities due to the confluence of displacement, violence and poverty. HIV self-testing, understudied with refugees, is a promising method to increase testing uptake, yet challenges remain with linkages to confirmatory testing following a positive HIV self-test. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of HIV self-testing kits and 'edutainment' comics in increasing HIV testing and HIV status knowledge among refugee youth aged 16-24 years in Bidi Bidi Refugee Settlement, Uganda.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

This study will be conducted in Bidi Bidi. We conducted a qualitative formative phase with focus groups (n=40) to generate knowledge of barriers and facilitators of HIV prevention, testing and care among refugee youth (aged 16-24) in Bidi Bidi. These findings were used to create comic scenarios aligning with edutainment approaches to health promotion and inform a four-arm cluster randomised controlled trial in Bidi Bidi using a 2×2 factorial design: (1) HIV self-testing alongside edutainment comics, (2) HIV self-testing alone, (3) edutainment comic alone and (4) standard of care. The target sample size will be 120 youth (30 per arm), who will be enrolled in the trial and followed for 3 months. Data will be collected at baseline and 3 months after enrolment. The primary outcomes (HIV testing frequency, HIV status knowledge) and secondary outcomes (linkage to confirmatory HIV testing, HIV care linkage, HIV self-test kit use, HIV-related stigma, HIV knowledge, safer sex efficacy, condom use, adolescent sexual and reproductive health (SRH) stigma, sexual relationship power, access to SRH services) will be evaluated using descriptive statistics and regression analyses.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

This study was approved by the University of Toronto Research Ethics Board, Mildmay Uganda Research Ethics Committee and the Uganda National Council for Science and Technology. Results will be shared in peer-reviewed publications and community knowledge sharing.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT05213689.

Left behind on the path to 90-90-90: understanding and responding to HIV among displaced people

INTRODUCTION

In 2021, the number of people affected by displacement worldwide reached the highest on record, with an estimated 30.5 million refugees and 4.6 million asylum seekers seeking safety across international borders and further 53.2 million people displaced within their countries of origin. Most forcibly displaced persons come from or relocate to lower- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and many of those countries have large HIV epidemics. In this commentary, we describe some of the challenges at the intersection of HIV and displacement vulnerabilities that cannot be easily addressed in resource-limited environments.

DISCUSSION

HIV transmission and prevention and treatment efforts in the context of displacement are affected by myriad behavioural, social and structural factors across different stages of the displacement journey. For example, structural barriers faced by people experiencing displacement in relation to HIV prevention and care include funding constraints and legal framework deficiencies. Such barriers prevent all forced migrants, and particularly those whose sexual identities or practices are stigmatized against, access to prevention and care equal to local residents. Xenophobia, racism and other social factors, as well as individual risky behaviours facilitated by experiences of forced migration, also affect the progress towards 90-90-90 targets in displaced populations. Current evidence suggests increased HIV vulnerability in the period before displacement due to the effect of displacement drivers on medical supplies and infrastructure. During and after displacement, substantial barriers to HIV testing exist, though following resettlement in stable displacement context, HIV incidence and viral suppression are reported to be similar to those of local populations.

CONCLUSIONS

Experiences of often-marginalized displaced populations are diverse and depend on the context of displacement, countries of origin and resettlement, and the nature of the crises that forced these populations to move. To address current gaps in responses to HIV in displacement contexts, research in LMIC, particularly in less stable resettlement settings, needs to be scaled up. Furthermore, displaced populations need to be specifically addressed in national AIDS strategies and HIV surveillance systems. Finally, innovative technologies, such as point-of-care viral load and CD4 testing, need to be developed and introduced in settings facing displacement.

Temporal and Spatial Analysis Techniques as Potential Tools for Combating the HIV Epidemic among Young Brazilian Amazonian People: An Ecological Study

Background: The main goal of this study was to analyze the HIV epidemic temporally and spatially among young people living in Pará, Brazil, from 2007 to 2018. Methods: For the temporal analysis, we employed an integrated autoregression of moving averages model associated with the seasonal trend using the LOESS decomposition method, which allowed for predictions to be made. In the spatial analysis, the techniques of autocorrelation, spatial and spatio-temporal risk analysis, and geographically weighted regression were used. Results: During the study period, there were 8143 notifications of HIV/AIDS cases. The temporal prediction indicated a trend of growth in the incidence rate in the 20–24-year-old group from January 2019 to December 2022 and a trend of stability in the 15- to 19-year-old and 25- to 29-year-old groups. There was a territorial expansion of the HIV epidemic in Pará. Novo Progresso and the Metropolitan Region of Belém (RMB) were the zones with the highest spatial and spatio-temporal risk for HIV. Social determinants including the Basic Education Development Index, the number of physicians per 10,000 inhabitants, and the municipal high school abandonment rate in the municipalities were associated with the risk of HIV/AIDS among young people in Pará. Conclusions: To eliminate HIV among young people in Pará, the access to treatment, diagnosis, and preventive healthcare services should be expanded. Sexual and reproductive health education should be reinforced in schools and communities. Furthermore, it is necessary to promote social equity and fight HIV stigma.

Relational Factors and HIV Testing Practices: Qualitative Insights from Urban Refugee Youth in Kampala, Uganda

Despite the global phenomenon of refugee urbanization, little is known of relational contexts that shape HIV testing among urban refugee youth. We explored perspectives, experiences, and preferences for social support in HIV testing among refugee youth aged 16-24 in Kampala, Uganda. We conducted five focus groups with refugee youth (n = 44) and five in-depth key informant interviews. Participant narratives signaled relational contexts shaping HIV testing included informal sources (intimate partners and family members) and formal sources (peer educators and professionals). There was heterogeneity in perspectives based on relationship dynamics. While some felt empowered to test with partners, others feared negative relationship consequences. Participant narratives reflected kinship ties that could facilitate testing with family, while others feared coercion and judgment. Peer support was widely accepted. Professional support was key for HIV testing as well as conflict-related trauma. Findings emphasize bonding and bridging social capital as salient components of enabling HIV testing environments.

Adapting the Health Stigma and Discrimination Framework to understand the association between stigma and sleep deficiency: A systematic review

OBJECTIVE

Sleep deficiency and sleep disorders disproportionally affect socially disadvantaged and marginalized individuals and groups. Recent evidence suggests that stigma, a social process characterized by labeling, stereotyping, and prejudice, is associated with sleep characteristics.

PURPOSE

Guided by the Health Stigma and Discrimination Framework, the purpose of this systematic review is to describe associations between dimensions of stigma and sleep deficiency and to identify future directions for research.

METHODS

We searched the OVIDPsycINFO, OVIDEMASE, OVIDMEDLINE, and CINAHL databases for empirical research studies that reported relationships between the 3 dimensions of stigma-internalized, perceived, and anticipated-and characteristics of sleep deficiency-duration, continuity/efficiency, timing, alertness/sleepiness, quality, and disorders.

RESULTS

Of 1717 articles, 15 met our inclusion criteria. The most frequently assessed dimensions of stigma were internalized and perceived stigma. Characteristics of sleep deficiency were measured by self-report and included sleep quality, duration, trouble sleeping, and insomnia symptoms. We found consistent evidence that stigma, whether internalized, perceived, or anticipated, is associated with self-reported characteristics of sleep deficiency.

CONCLUSIONS

This evidence base can be further strengthened with prospective studies that incorporate both multidimensional measures of stigma and objective measures of sleep characteristics. We outline research implications that can clarify underlying mechanisms and more precisely define the relationships between stigma and sleep and inform interventions to address stigma, improve sleep, and reduce the health inequities that disproportionately affect individuals from socially disadvantaged and marginalized groups.

Uptake and provision of self-care interventions for sexual and reproductive health: findings from a global values and preferences survey

Self-care interventions hold the potential to improve sexual and reproductive health (SRH) and well-being. Yet key knowledge gaps remain regarding how knowledge and uptake vary across different types of self-care interventions. There is also limited understanding of health workers’ confidence in promoting SRH self-care interventions, and how this may differ based on personal uptake experiences. To address these knowledge gaps, we conducted a web-based cross-sectional survey among health workers and laypersons from July to November 2018. We investigated the following information about SRH self-care interventions: knowledge and uptake; decisions for use; and associations between health workers’ uptake and providing prescriptions, referrals, and/or information for these interventions. Participants (n = 837) included laypersons (n = 477) and health workers (n = 360) from 112 countries, with most representation from the WHO European Region (29.2%), followed by the Americas (28.4%) and African (23.2%) Regions. We found great heterogeneity in knowledge and uptake by type of SRH self-care intervention. Some interventions, such as oral contraception, were widely known in comparison with interventions such as STI self-sampling. Across interventions, participants perceived benefits of privacy, convenience, and accessibility. While pharmacies and doctors were preferred access points, this varied by type of self-care intervention. Health workers with knowledge of the self-care intervention, and who had themselves used the self-care intervention, were significantly more likely to feel confident in, and to have provided information or referrals to, the same intervention. This finding signals that health workers can be better engaged in learning about self-care SRH interventions and thereby become resources for expanding access.

The prevalence and correlates of depression before and after the COVID-19 pandemic declaration among urban refugee adolescents and youth in informal settlements in Kampala, Uganda: A longitudinal cohort study

Purpose

There is scant research examining urban refugee youth mental health outcomes, including potential impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. We examine prevalence and ecosocial risk factors of depression in the periods before and after the COVID-19 pandemic declaration among urban refugee youth in Kampala, Uganda.

Methods

Data from a cohort of refugee youth (n = 367) aged 16–24 years were collected in periods before (February 2020) and after (December 2020) the WHO COVID-19 pandemic declaration. We developed crude and adjusted generalized estimating equation logistic regression models to examine demographic and ecosocial factors (food insecurity, social support, intimate partner violence) associated with depression, and include time-ecosocial interactions to examine if associations differed before and after the pandemic declaration.

Results

The prevalence of depression was high, but there was no significant difference before (27.5%), and after (28.9%) the pandemic declaration (P = .583). In adjusted models, food insecurity (aOR: 2.54; 95% CI: 1.21–5.33) and experiencing violence (aOR: 2.53; 95% CI: 1.07–5.96) were associated with increased depression, and social support was associated with decreased depression (aOR: 0.85; 95% CI: 0.81–0.89).

Conclusions

These findings highlight the urgent need for interventions to address chronic depression, food insecurity, and ongoing effects of violence exposure among urban refugee youth in Kampala.

Exploring linkages between climate change and sexual health: a scoping review protocol

INTRODUCTION

The effects of climate change and associated extreme weather events (EWEs) present substantial threats to well-being. EWEs hold the potential to harm sexual health through pathways including elevated exposure to HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), disrupted healthcare access, and increased sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV). The WHO defines four components of sexual health: comprehensive sexuality education; HIV and STI prevention and care; SGBV prevention and care; and psychosexual counselling. Yet, knowledge gaps remain regarding climate change and its associations with these sexual health domains. This scoping review will therefore explore the linkages between climate change and sexual health.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

Five electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Web of Science, CINAHL) will be searched using text words and subject headings (eg, Medical Subject Headings (MeSH), Emtree) related to sexual health and climate change from the inception of each database to May 2021. Grey literature and unpublished reports will be searched using a comprehensive search strategy, including from the WHO, World Bank eLibrary, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The scoping review will consider studies that explore: (a) climate change and EWEs including droughts, heat waves, wildfires, dust storms, hurricanes, flooding rains, coastal flooding and storm surges; alongside (b) sexual health, including: comprehensive sexual health education, sexual health counselling, and HIV/STI acquisition, prevention and/or care, and/or SGBV, including intimate partner violence, sexual assault and rape. Searches will not be limited by language, publication year or geographical location. We will consider quantitative, qualitative, mixed-methods and review articles for inclusion. We will conduct thematic analysis of findings. Data will be presented in narrative and tabular forms.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

There are no formal ethics requirements as we are not collecting primary data. Results will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and shared at international conferences.

Stigma Mechanisms and Outcomes among Sub-Saharan African Descendants in Belgium-Contextualizing the HIV Stigma Framework

HIV-related stigma and discrimination are recognized barriers to HIV prevention, testing and treatment among people of Sub-Saharan African descent (SSA) origin living in Belgium, but insights into HIV related-stigma mechanisms and outcomes are lacking for this population with high HIV prevalence. Guided by Earnshaw and Chaudoir’s stigma framework (2009), we conducted this qualitative study using 10 focus-groups with 76 SSA community members and 20 in-depth interviews with SSA descendants living with HIV to explore specific HIV-stigma mechanisms and outcomes and underlying drivers. Inductive and deductive thematic analysis showed high degrees of stigma among SSA communities driven by fear of HIV acquisition and misconceptions in a migration context, negatively affecting SSA descendants living with HIV. The results allowed for contextualization of the framework: At the community level, prejudices and stereotypes were major stigma mechanisms, while physical distancing, gossips, sexual rejection, violence and increased HIV prevalence emerged as stigma outcomes. Among SSA descendants living with HIV, enacted, anticipated and internalized stigmas were validated as stigma mechanisms, with witnessed stigma as an additional mechanism. Self-isolation, community avoidance and low utilization of non-HIV specialized healthcare were additional outcomes. These results are relevant for tailoring interventions to reduce HIV-related stigma.

Stigma and its influencing factors among breast cancer survivors in China: A cross-sectional study

PURPOSE

Although stigma has attracted considerable scholarly attention, few studies have focused on its influencing factors among discharged breast cancer survivors, especially in a Chinese cultural context. The present study therefore explores stigma and its influencing factors among breast cancer survivors in China.

METHOD

Between December 2017 and May 2018, 103 breast cancer survivors at the outpatient clinic of a tertiary cancer center in southern China were enrolled in a cross-sectional study. The research instruments comprised the Social Impact Scale (SIS), the General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES), the Medical Coping Modes Questionnaire (MCMQ), and sociodemographic and disease-related questionnaires. Descriptive statistics, univariate analysis, and multivariable linear regression were used to explore the current status of stigma and to identify influencing factors.

RESULTS

Of the respondents, 76.7% and 8.7%, respectively, reported moderate and high levels of stigma. The mean SIS score was 55.20 ± 12.15 (moderate), and the SIS subscale with the highest average score was financial insecurity. The results of a multivariable linear regression showed that body image (β = 0.32, P＜0.001), spousal support (β = -0.47, P < 0.001), personal acceptance of the disease (β = -0.22, P＜0.001), coping modes (resignation) (β = 0.14, P < 0.001), support from medical staff (β = -0.23, P < 0.001) and self-efficacy (β = -0.10, P = 0.037) were the main factors influencing stigma among breast cancer survivors (R² = 0.83).

CONCLUSIONS

Stigma, among breast cancer survivors, which is influenced by various sociocultural factors, is a neglected issue requiring attention. Healthcare professionals should therefore formulate effective measures for alleviating stigma in this group by improving their self-efficacy and acceptance of the disease, reducing their poor body image and negative coping mode, and eliciting more support from their spouses and medical staff.

Intersecting stigma and HIV testing practices among urban refugee adolescents and youth in Kampala, Uganda: qualitative findings

Introduction

HIV‐related risks may be exacerbated in humanitarian contexts. Uganda hosts 1.3 million refugees, of which 60% are aged under 18. There are knowledge gaps regarding HIV testing facilitators and barriers, including HIV and intersecting stigmas, among urban refugee youth. In response, we explored experiences and perspectives towards HIV testing strategies, including HIV self‐testing, with urban refugee youth in Kampala, Uganda.

Methods

We implemented a qualitative study with refugee cisgender youth aged 16 to 24 living in Kampala's informal settlements from February‐April 2019. We conducted five focus groups with refugee youth, including two with adolescent boys and young men, two with adolescent girls and young women and one with female sex workers. We also conducted five key informant (KI) interviews with government, non‐government and community refugee agencies and HIV service providers. We conducted thematic analyses to understand HIV testing experiences, perspectives and recommendations.

Results

Participants (n = 49) included young men (n = 17) and young women (n = 27) originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo [DRC] (n = 29), Rwanda (n = 11), Burundi (n = 3) and Sudan (n = 1), in addition to five KI (gender: n = 3 women, n = 2 men; country of origin: n = 2 Rwanda, n = 2 Uganda, n = 1 DRC). Participant narratives revealed stigma drivers included fear of HIV infection; misinformation that HIV is a “Ugandan disease”; and blame and shame for sexual activity. Stigma facilitators included legal precarity regarding sex work, same‐sex practices and immigration status, alongside healthcare mistreatment and confidentiality concerns. Stigma experiences were attributed to the social devaluation of intersecting identities (sex work, youth, refugees, sexual minorities, people living with HIV, women). Participants expressed high interest in HIV self‐testing. They recommended HIV self‐testing implementation strategies to be peer supported and expressed concerns regarding sexual‐ and gender‐based violence with partner testing.

Conclusions

Intersecting stigma rooted in fear, misinformation, blame and shame, legal precarity and healthcare mistreatment constrain current HIV testing strategies with urban refugee youth. Findings align with the Health Stigma and Discrimination Framework that conceptualizes stigma drivers and facilitators that devalue intersecting health conditions and social identities. Findings can inform multi‐level strategies to foster enabling HIV testing environments with urban refugee youth, including tackling intersecting stigma and leveraging refugee youth peer support.