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HIV Prevalence and Factors Influencing the Uptake of Voluntary HIV Counseling and Testing among Older Clients of Female Sex Workers in Liuzhou and Fuyang Cities, China, 2016-2017: A Cross-Sectional Study. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 2020:9634328. [PMID: 32185227 PMCID: PMC7060410 DOI: 10.1155/2020/9634328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2019] [Revised: 12/22/2019] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Objective To compare the prevalence of HIV and associated factors for participating HIV voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) among older clients of female sex workers (CFSWs) in Liuzhou City and Fuyang City in China. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted and the study employed 978 male CFSWs, aged 50 years and above from October 2016 to December 2017. All participants were required to complete a questionnaire and provide blood samples for HIV testing. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the influential factors of using VCT program and tested for HIV. Results The HIV infection prevalence rate was 1.2% and 0.5%, while 52.3% and 54.6% participants had ever utilized VCT service and tested for HIV in Liuzhou City and Fuyang City, respectively. The older CFSWs who ever heard of VCT program were more likely to uptake VCT program in both cities (ORLiuzhou = 2.224, ORFuyang = 2.421). Participants, whose marital status was married or cohabiting (ORLiuzhou = 0.548, ORFuyang = 0.495), who have stigma against individuals who are living with HIV/AIDS (ORLiuzhou = 0.273, ORFuyang = 0.371), whose monthly income is more than 500 yuan (ORLiuzhou = 0.622, ORFuyang = 0.600), and whose age is more than 60 years old (ORLiuzhou = 0.639, ORFuyang = 0.554), were less likely to visit VCT clinics. Those who are worried about HIV-infected participants were more likely to utilize VCT services in Fuyang City (AOR = 1.838, 95%CI : 1.146‐2.948). Conclusion Combine strategy will be needed to promote the utilization of VCT service, based on the socioeconomic characteristics of older male CFSWs in different cities of China.
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Abstract
HIV stigma is a harmful social phenomenon present in United States (US)-based health care settings. This study assessed the efficacy of a participatory PhotoVoice-informed stigma reduction training program focusing on people living with HIV (PLWH) and targeting health care workers. Seventy-three (N = 73) participants were assessed at baseline (T1), within approximately a week of the training (T2), and at a 3-month follow-up (T3) regarding their HIV/AIDS knowledge, attitudes towards PLWH, and observations of enacted HIV stigma. Findings indicated that the training increased knowledge and improved attitudes (β = 0.56, p < 0.01; β = 0.58, p < 0.01, respectively) at T2, but these effects diminished at T3 (β = - 0.03, p > 0.05; β = - 0.29, p > 0.05, respectively). The training did not, however, have an impact on observations of enacted stigma at T2 (β = 0.10, p > 0.05) or at T3 (β = 0.02, p > 0.05). Additional participatory stigma reduction programs that involve diverse groups of health care workers, offer salient study incentives, include time-saving training methods, and comprise a variety of stigma measures, may be particularly beneficial.
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Kabbash IA, Abo Ali EA, Elgendy MM, Abdrabo MM, Salem HM, Gouda MR, Elbasiony YS, Elboshy N, Hamed M. HIV/AIDS-related stigma and discrimination among health care workers at Tanta University Hospitals, Egypt. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 25:30755-30762. [PMID: 27752955 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-016-7848-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2016] [Accepted: 10/04/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
HIV/AIDS-related stigma and discrimination among health care professionals is one of the most important factors of this disease expansion. This study aimed to assess the stigmatized attitude among health care providers toward people living with HIV (PLHIV) at Tanta University Hospitals. The study is a cross-sectional survey. Data was gathered from randomly selected 310 health care workers at Tanta University Hospital using a structured questionnaire. Among studied participants, only 24.0 % had previous contact with HIV patients during work and 21.3 % felt worried to touch cloths of HIV patients, 26.4 % were worried to dress the wounds of HIV patients and 27.4 % were afraid to get blood sample from HIV patients. Those who were unwilling to care for HIV patients represented 40 % and only 36 % reported that if discriminating against HIV patients, they may get in trouble. Less than one half (42 %) reported having enough supply for reducing risk of nosocomial infection with HIV and 86 % reported having no guidelines to deal with HIV patients. Out of the participants, 78.7 % reported that HIV patients should be ashamed of themselves. Among the participants, 35, 48, and 43 % preferred not to provide medical services to injecting drug users, men having sex with men and sex workers suspected to have HIV infection, respectively. Infection control is defective in the supplies and procedures. There is absence of policy and protocols with regard to dealing with PLHIV. Health care providers showed high levels of stigma and discrimination against PLHIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahim Ali Kabbash
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Ehab A Abo Ali
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt.
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Nader Elboshy
- Students in Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Mohammed Hamed
- Students in Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
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Li X, Yuan L, Li X, Shi J, Jiang L, Zhang C, Yang X, Zhang Y, Zhao D, Zhao Y. Factors associated with stigma attitude towards people living with HIV among general individuals in Heilongjiang, Northeast China. BMC Infect Dis 2017; 17:154. [PMID: 28212610 PMCID: PMC5316215 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-017-2216-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2016] [Accepted: 01/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV-related stigma always is major obstacles to an effective HIV response worldwide. The effect of HIV-related stigma on HIV prevention and treatment is particularly serious in China. This study was to examine stigma attitude towards people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) among general individuals in Heilongjiang Province, Northeast China and the factors associated with stigma attitude, including socio-demographic factors and HIV/AIDS Knowledge. METHODS A cross-sectional survey was carried out in Heilongjiang Province, China. A total of 4050 general individuals with age 15-69 years in four villages in rural areas and two communities in urban areas were drawn using stratified cluster sampling. Standardized questionnaire interviews were administered. Univariate and multivariate log-binomial regression were performed to assess factors affecting stigma attitude towards PLWHA. RESULTS The proportions of participants holding stigma attitude towards PLWHA were 49.6% among rural respondents and 37.0% among urban respondents (P < 0.001). Multivariate log binomial regression analysis among both rural participants (RR = 0.89, 95% CI: 0.87-0.91, P < 0.001) and urban participants (RR = 0.89, 95% CI: 0.87-0.91, P < 0.001) showed that greater knowledge of HIV transmission misconceptions was significantly associated with lower stigma attitude towards people living with HIV. And among urban participants, higher education level (high school vs. primary school or less: RR = 0.73, 95%CI: 0.62-0.87, P < 0.001; middle school vs. primary school or less: RR = 0.83, 95%CI: 0.71-0.97, P = 0.018) were also significantly associated with lower stigma attitude towards PLWHA. CONCLUSIONS The level of stigma attitude towards PLWHA is higher in rural areas than in urban areas in Heilongjiang. Meanwhile, individuals who better were aware of HIV/AIDS transmission misconceptions may hold lower stigma attitude toward PLWHA whether among rural or urban residents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Li
- Department of Epidemiology, Public Health College, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Lili Yuan
- Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
- Heilongjiang Medical Science Institute, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Xiaoxia Li
- Department of Public Health, Mudanjiang Medical College, Mudanjiang, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Jingli Shi
- Qiqihaer Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Qiqihaer, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Liying Jiang
- Department of Epidemiology, Public Health College, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Chundi Zhang
- Qiqihaer Medical University, Qiqihaer, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Xiujing Yang
- Clinical Laboratory, Third Affiliated Clinical Hospital of Qiqihaer Medical University, Qiqihaer, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Yeli Zhang
- Disease Control Office, Health Department of Heilongjiang Province, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Donghui Zhao
- Heilongjiang Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Yashuang Zhao
- Department of Epidemiology, Public Health College, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China.
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Han J, Tian X, Yu G, He F. Disclosure Pattern of Self-Labeled People Living with HIV/AIDS on Chinese Social Networking Site: An Exploratory Study. CYBERPSYCHOLOGY BEHAVIOR AND SOCIAL NETWORKING 2017; 19:516-23. [PMID: 27494331 DOI: 10.1089/cyber.2016.0133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
HIV/AIDS is an important public health issue in China. The number of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) has been increasing since the introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy. PLWHA's life quality is becoming an important issue, with lack of research in China. In this study, a group of PLWHA (n = 663) was identified using HIV/AIDS relevant usernames on a Chinese social networking site (Weibo) to study their daily living situations. We found that more than 99.10% of PLWHA were male, among whom 90.80% turned out to be homosexual. They had significantly more fans and followees, but fewer postings compared to the general population. The mean age of the PLWHA was 28.96 (SD = 5.05) years old, and southwest and northwest China had a high prevalence of HIV/AIDS. In addition, PLWHA's postings were coded and we found that more than half of the postings (n = 769, 51.03%) contained strong emotions. Less than one-fifth of the postings were directly related to HIV/AIDS topics (n = 269, 17.85%), while seeking emotional support, such as looking for stable partnership, was ranked as the first priority of support seeking. In summary, we found that the majority of the self-labeled PLWHA were likely to be men who have sex with men. They used Weibo to share their daily life events and seek emotional support. Implications for promoting HIV/AIDS education and prevention through Chinese social networking sites were also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Han
- 1 National Institute for Mental Health Research, Research School of Population Health, The Australian National University , Canberra, Australia
| | - Xianyun Tian
- 2 School of Management, Harbin Institute of Technology , Harbin, P.R. China
| | - Guang Yu
- 2 School of Management, Harbin Institute of Technology , Harbin, P.R. China
| | - Fang He
- 2 School of Management, Harbin Institute of Technology , Harbin, P.R. China
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Zarei N, Joulaei H, Darabi E, Fararouei M. Stigmatized Attitude of Healthcare Providers: A Barrier for Delivering Health Services to HIV Positive Patients. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF COMMUNITY BASED NURSING AND MIDWIFERY 2015; 3:292-300. [PMID: 26448956 PMCID: PMC4591575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the success of developed countries in preventing the spread of HIV/AIDS, the disease is expanding in developing countries where an unfavorable attitude exists among people, health professionals and employees. This study aimed to assess the stigmatized attitude among health care providers toward people living with HIV (PLWHA). METHODS The study is a cross-sectional survey. The data were gathered using a structured questionnaire. The study sample included 575 health care providers of public and private hospitals in Shiraz. The data were gathered using a structured questionnaire in spring 2014. Data analysis was carried out using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences, version 21. RESULTS The most dominant attitude of the health care providers toward HIV/AIDS patients was related to fear (42.42%). According to the results of this study, there was a significant relationship between stigmatized attitude of the health care providers and their religious beliefs, society stigmatized attitude, and knowledge of transmission routes. The relationship between social stigmatized attitude of health care providers and their knowledge of transmission routes, with their willingness to provide services to patients is significant, as well (P<0.05). 39.6% and 46.2% of the respondents preferred not to provide services to the prostitutes and homosexual patients. CONCLUSION Fear of contamination and social stigmatized attitude are the main impediments to dealing with patients and providing services to them. Hence, it seems that creating an effective knowledge about transmission and correcting the socio-cultural beliefs of health providers are two key strategies to tackle this problem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nooshin Zarei
- Shiraz HIV/AIDS Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Hassan Joulaei
- Health Policy Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran,Corresponding author: Hassan Joulaei, Pharm, MPH; Shiraz HIV/AIDS Research Center, 2nd floor, Voluntary Counseling and TestingCenter, Lavan Ave, Delavaran-e Basij Blvd, Khatoun Sq, Shiraz, Fars, Iran Tel/Fax: +98 71 37386272;
| | - Elahe Darabi
- Department of Sociology and Social Planning, School of Economy, Management and Social Sciences, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Fararouei
- Department of Epidemiology, School of public Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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Zhang L, Li X, Qiao S, Zhou Y, Shen Z, Tang Z, Shah I, Stanton B. The mediating role of individual resilience resources in stigma-health relationship among people living with HIV in Guangxi, China. AIDS Care 2015; 27:1317-25. [PMID: 26274908 PMCID: PMC6234005 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2015.1054338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Despite the vigorous global efforts to reduce stigma, HIV-related stigma continues to undermine the health status of people living with HIV (PLHIV). Internalized HIV stigma may cause stress adversely affecting the health of PLHIV. Resilience is the process of an effective coping and positive adaption in the face of adversities. To date, limited data are available on the mediating role of resilience in the relationship of internalized HIV stigma and health status among PLHIV in China. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 2987 PLHIV in Guangxi Autonomous Region (Guangxi) in China. A mediation analysis was employed and Sobel test was used to test the mediation effect of individual resilience. Of the 2987 PLHIV, 62.8% were men. The mean age of the sample was 42.5 years (SD = 12.8). Over 57.7% of PLHIV reported their overall health status being poor. About 72% of PLHIV reported experiencing internalized HIV stigma. Internalized HIV stigma had a negative direct effect on self-rated health status (p < .001). Individual resilience resources mediated the relationship between internalized HIV stigma and self-rated health status (p < .001). Sobel test confirmed the mediation effect of resilience (z = -8.359, SE = 0.003, p < .001). Resilience as a protective factor might buffer the effect of internalized HIV stigma on health status. Multilevel interventions are needed to foster resilience of PLHIV in order to mitigate the negative impact of HIV stigma and to improve the overall health status of PLHIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liying Zhang
- Pediatric Prevention Research Center, The Carman and Ann Adams Department of Pediatrics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, 4707 St Antoine Street, Hutzel Building, Suite W534, Detroit, MI 48201-2196, USA
| | - Xiaoming Li
- Pediatric Prevention Research Center, The Carman and Ann Adams Department of Pediatrics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, 4707 St Antoine Street, Hutzel Building, Suite W534, Detroit, MI 48201-2196, USA
| | - Shan Qiao
- Pediatric Prevention Research Center, The Carman and Ann Adams Department of Pediatrics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, 4707 St Antoine Street, Hutzel Building, Suite W534, Detroit, MI 48201-2196, USA
| | - Yuejiao Zhou
- Guangxi Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanning, China
| | - Zhiyong Shen
- Guangxi Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanning, China
| | - Zhenzhu Tang
- Guangxi Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanning, China
| | - Iqbal Shah
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Bonita Stanton
- Pediatric Prevention Research Center, The Carman and Ann Adams Department of Pediatrics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, 4707 St Antoine Street, Hutzel Building, Suite W534, Detroit, MI 48201-2196, USA
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Wu F, He X, Guida J, Xu Y, Liu H. Network stigma towards people living with HIV/AIDS and their caregivers: An egocentric network study. Glob Public Health 2015; 10:1032-45. [PMID: 25642919 DOI: 10.1080/17441692.2014.1003572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
HIV stigma occurs among peers in social networks. However, the features of social networks that drive HIV stigma are not well understood. The objective of this study is to investigate anticipated HIV stigma within the social networks of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) (N = 147) and the social networks of PLWHA's caregivers (N = 148). The egocentric social network data were collected in Guangxi, China. More than half of PLWHA (58%) and their caregivers (53%) anticipated HIV stigma from their network peers. Both PLWHA and their caregivers anticipated that spouses or other family members were less likely to stigmatise them, compared to friend peers or other relationships. Married network peers were believed to stigmatise caregivers more than unmarried peers. The association between frequent contacts and anticipated stigma was negative among caregivers. Being in a close relationship with PLWHA or caregivers (e.g., a spouse or other family member) was associated with less anticipated stigma. Lower network density was associated with higher anticipated stigma among PLWHA's alters, but not among caregivers' alters. Findings may shed light on innovative stigma reduction interventions at the social network level and therefore improve HIV/AIDS treatment utilisation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Wu
- a Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health , University of Maryland , College Park , MD , USA
| | - Xin He
- a Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health , University of Maryland , College Park , MD , USA
| | - Jennifer Guida
- a Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health , University of Maryland , College Park , MD , USA
| | - Yongfang Xu
- b Department of HIV/AIDS Control and Prevention , Nanning Center for Disease Control and Prevention , Nanning , China
| | - Hongjie Liu
- a Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health , University of Maryland , College Park , MD , USA
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Henderson G, Maman S, Huang Y, Muessig K, Pan S. Social contexts of heterosexual transmission of HIV/STI in Liuzhou City, China. AIDS Behav 2014; 18 Suppl 2:S111-7. [PMID: 24337698 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-013-0666-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
In this special issue of AIDS and Behavior, we focus on the social contexts of sexual transmission of HIV/STI in one South China city. Our multiple projects grew from partnerships across the social and biomedical sciences, and with public health experts in Liuzhou City, to address critical gaps in knowledge about how social factors drive heterosexual transmission. The eleven articles that comprise this special issue feature multidisciplinary and mixed method approaches, collecting data in Liuzhou from different populations, environments, and social venues where individuals often find sexual partners. They document heterosexual behaviors and their meanings. They investigate the experiences and behaviors of women and men in social venues, exploring the networks of people within these venues, how they relate to one another, share information, and influence each other. The articles also examine the experiences of people living with HIV, again collecting data from multiple levels and sources, and revealing the ongoing power of stigma to shape these lives. Taken together, the articles demonstrate the critical role of social contexts in shaping behaviors and meanings, which are linked to heterosexual transmission of HIV/STI, and which must be taken into account for the development of appropriate and effective public health interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gail Henderson
- Department of Social Medicine, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, 333 South Columbia St., 347 MacNider, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-7240, USA,
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10
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Yingying H, Abler L, Suiming P, Henderson GE, Xin W, Xingliang Y, Parish WL. Population-based sexual behavior surveys in China: Liuzhou compared with other prefectural cities. AIDS Behav 2014; 18 Suppl 2:S118-25. [PMID: 24174289 PMCID: PMC3943943 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-013-0645-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Sexual behaviors in China are rapidly changing; simultaneously, sexually transmitted infections (STI)/HIV prevalence is increasing in the general population. To investigate these major shifts, we examined sexual behaviors and self-reported STI in one prefectural city in southern China, Liuzhou, and compared it to other prefectural cities throughout China. We used adults age 18-39 from two sets of population-based surveys that paralleled each other in both content and method. The first set was the Liuzhou survey conducted in 2008 (n = 398). The second set consisted of two national surveys collected in 2006 and 2010 (n = 2,186). Liuzhou respondents reported more active social and sexual behaviors than their national counterparts, including more socializing, dancing, drinking excessively, sexual activity among never married men and women, purchasing commercial sex among men, one-night stands among men, multiple sexual partnerships and self-reported STI among both men and women. Women in Liuzhou reported greater sexual risk behavior than their national counterparts, although overall they reported less than their male counterparts; they were also more likely to have had an abortion than women in other prefectural cities. Our findings provide a comprehensive overview of the sexual context of Liuzhou among the general population, which may help explain the greater STI/HIV prevalence in Liuzhou.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huang Yingying
- Department of Sociology, Institute of Sexuality and Gender, Renmin University of China, Beijing, China
| | - Laurie Abler
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC
| | - Pan Suiming
- Department of Sociology, Institute of Sexuality and Gender, Renmin University of China, Beijing, China
| | - Gail E. Henderson
- Department of Social Medicine, UNC School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Wang Xin
- School of Philosophy and Social Development, Shandong University, Shandong, China
| | - Yao Xingliang
- Harbin Engineering University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
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11
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Muessig KE, Smith MK, Maman S, Huang Y, Chen XS. Advancing the prevention agenda for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections in south China: social science research to inform effective public health interventions. AIDS Behav 2014; 18 Suppl 2:S222-31. [PMID: 24443101 PMCID: PMC3982310 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-014-0695-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Despite widespread biomedical advances in treatment and prevention, HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STI) continue to affect a large portion of the world's population. The profoundly social nature of behaviorally driven epidemics and disparities across socioeconomic divides in the distribution of HIV/STI and care outcomes emphasize the need for innovative, multilevel interventions. Interdisciplinary approaches to HIV/STI control are needed to combine insights from the social and biological sciences and public health fields. In this concluding essay to a Special Issue on HIV/STI in south China, we describe the evolution of the region's HIV/STI epidemics and the government response, then synthesize findings from the 11 studies presented in this issue to extend seven recommendations for future HIV/STI prevention and care research in China. We discuss lessons learned from forging international collaborations between the social and biological sciences and public health to inform a shared research agenda to better meet the needs of those most affected by HIV and other STI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn E. Muessig
- Department of Health Behavior, 306 Rosenau Hall, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-7440 USA. Phone: 1-443-320-3152
| | - M. Kumi Smith
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Suzanne Maman
- Department of Health Behavior, 306 Rosenau Hall, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-7440 USA. Phone: 1-443-320-3152
| | - Yingying Huang
- Department of Sociology, Renmin University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiang-sheng Chen
- National Center for STD Control and Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 12 Jiangwangmiao Street, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210042, China (Tel: 86-25-845478901. Fax: 86-25-85424903)
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12
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Zhang YX, Golin CE, Bu J, Emrick CB, Zhang N, Li MQ. Coping strategies for HIV-related stigma in Liuzhou, China. AIDS Behav 2014; 18 Suppl 2:S212-20. [PMID: 24337724 PMCID: PMC4096624 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-013-0662-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
This study explores the feelings, experiences, and coping strategies of people living with HIV (PLHIV) in Liuzhou, China. In a southwestern Chinese city with high HIV prevalence, we conducted semi-structured in-depth interviews with 47 PLHIV selected to represent individuals who had acquired HIV via different acquisition routes. Many participants felt severely stigmatized; they commonly reported having very low self-esteem and feelings of despair. Based on style of coping and whether it occurred at the interpersonal or intrapersonal level, four types of coping that participants used to deal with HIV-associated stigma were identified: (1) Compassion (Passive/Avoidant-Interpersonal); (2) Hiding HIV status (Passive/Avoidant-Intrapersonal); (3) Social support (Active/Problem-focused-Interpersonal; and (4) Self-care (Active/Problem-focused-Intrapersonal). Educational and stigma-reduction interventions targeting potential social support networks for PLHIV (e.g., family, close friends, and peers) could strengthen active interpersonal PLHIV coping strategies. Interventions teaching self-care to PLHIV would encourage active intrapersonal coping, both of which may enhance PLHIV quality of life in Liuzhou, China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying-Xia Zhang
- Liuzhou Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Liuzhou, China
| | - Carol E. Golin
- Division of General Medicine and Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Department of Health Behavior, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Center For AIDS Research (CFAR), University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | - Jin Bu
- Editorial Department, Journal of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | | | - Nan Zhang
- Department of Sociology and Institute of Sexuality and Gender, Renmin University of China, Beijing
| | - Ming-Qiang Li
- Liuzhou Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Liuzhou, China
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