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Eaton LA, Huedo-Medina T, Earnshaw VA, Kalichman M, Watson RJ, Driver R, Chandler CJ, Kalinowski J, Kalichman SC. Randomized Clinical Trial of Stigma Counseling and HIV Testing Access Interventions to Increase HIV Testing Among Black Sexual Minority Men and Transwomen. PREVENTION SCIENCE : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR PREVENTION RESEARCH 2024; 25:650-660. [PMID: 37898978 DOI: 10.1007/s11121-023-01603-4] [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: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023]
Abstract
Advances in HIV prevention tools have outpaced our ability to ensure equitable access to these tools. Novel approaches to reducing known barriers to accessing HIV prevention, such as stigma and logistical-related factors, are urgently needed. To evaluate the efficacy of a randomized controlled trial with four intervention arms to address barriers to HIV/STI testing uptake (primary outcome) and PrEP use, depression, and HIV test results (secondary outcomes). We tested a 2 × 2 research design: main effect 1-stigma-focused vs. health information evaluation-focused counseling, main effect 2-offering HIV/STI testing appointments in person vs. at home with a counselor via video chat, and the interaction of the main effects. Participants (N = 474) residing in the southeastern USA were screened and enrolled in a longitudinal trial. Intervention efficacy was established using generalized linear modeling with binomial or Poisson distributions. Intervention efficacy demonstrated an increase in HIV/STI testing uptake when testing was made available at home with a counselor via video chat vs. in person (83% vs. 75% uptake, p < .05), and participants were also more likely to test positive for HIV over the course of the study in the at-home condition (14.5% vs. 9.4%, p < .05). Stigma-focused counseling resulted in lower depression scores and greater uptake of PrEP among participants < 30 years of age when compared with health information counseling (15.4% vs. 9.6%, p < .05). In order to prevent further disparities between HIV prevention advances and access to HIV prevention tools, we must prioritize improvements in linking people to care. Novel interventions, such as those proposed here, offer a practical, evidence-based path to addressing long-standing barriers to HIV prevention strategies. Trial registration: NCT03107910.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa A Eaton
- Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Connecticut, 2006 Hillside Rd, Storrs, CT, 06279-1248, USA.
| | | | - Valerie A Earnshaw
- Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA
| | | | - Ryan J Watson
- Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Connecticut, 2006 Hillside Rd, Storrs, CT, 06279-1248, USA
| | - Redd Driver
- HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, New York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Cristian J Chandler
- Center for Health Services Research, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Jolaade Kalinowski
- Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Connecticut, 2006 Hillside Rd, Storrs, CT, 06279-1248, USA
| | - Seth C Kalichman
- Psychological Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
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Boyd DT, Ramos SR, Maragh-Bass AC, Dyer TV, Zigah EY, Abu-Ba'are GR. Influence of families and other adult support on HIV prevention outcomes among black men who have sex with men. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:822. [PMID: 38491379 PMCID: PMC10941365 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18171-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: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prior research has consistently shown that the involvement of families plays a vital role in reducing risk behaviors, such as engaging in condomless sex, and promoting HIV prevention behaviors among young Black men who have sex with men (YBMSM). With the aim of expanding the existing knowledge, this study aimed to examine the specific influence of families and other supportive adults in facilitating casual condom use, partner condom use, HIV testing, and preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) utilization among young Black MSM. METHODS A sample of YBMSM aged 18-29 years (N = 400) was collected online. We used a path analysis to examine the influence of family factors on PrEP stigma and PrEP use. Respondents were recruited from December 1, 2021, to January 31, 2022. We used a path analysis to examine the direct and indirect effects of family factors on PrEP use through HIV testing and encouraging condom use. RESULTS Among BMSM, other adult support was positive and directly associated with condom use by both casual partners (β = 0.04, p < .05) and partners (β = 0.17, p < .01). Condom use by casual partners was negative and was directly associated with HIV testing (β = - 0.15, p < .01). CONCLUSION The primary aim of this research was to examine the influence of family and adult support on HIV prevention behaviors among young Black MSM, including condom use, HIV testing, and PrEP use. Our findings highlight the significance of implementing interventions that incorporate families and other supportive adults to enhance the engagement of young Black MSM in HIV prevention behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donte T Boyd
- College of Social Work, The Ohio State University, 1047 College RD, #325K, Columbus, OH, 43215, USA.
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS (CIRA), Yale University School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA.
- University of California Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - S Raquel Ramos
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS (CIRA), Yale University School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
- School of Nursing, Yale University, Orange, CT, USA
| | - Allysha C Maragh-Bass
- University of California Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- FHI 360, Durham, NC, USA
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Typhanye V Dyer
- University of California Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Edem Yaw Zigah
- Behavioral, Sexual, and Global Health Lab, Jama'a Action, West Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Gamji Rabiu Abu-Ba'are
- Behavioral, Sexual, and Global Health Lab, Jama'a Action, West Legon, Accra, Ghana
- School of Nursing, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
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Pre-exposure prophylaxis in the era of emerging methods for men who have sex with men in the USA: the HIV Prevention Cycle of Care model. Lancet HIV 2023; 10:e134-e142. [PMID: 36525980 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-3018(22)00309-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Expanding on previous work, we present an HIV Prevention Cycle of Care model to facilitate understanding of the complexity of issues involved in pre-exposure prophylaxis implementation for gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM) in the USA, including individual, client-provider, and overarching issues such as health equity, stigma, and prevention nomenclature. The HIV prevention cycle of care applies to MSM who test negative for HIV. The Prevention Cycle of Care model includes seven steps: prevention knowledge, prevention self-awareness and preferences, prevention motivation, health-care access and cost, provider issues, adherence and persistence, and periodic reassessment and adjustment. HIV prevention is complex in an era of emerging multiple modalities, and more research is needed to successfully implement pre-exposure prophylaxis options over time and across diverse communities of MSM who are sexually active.
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Maragh-Bass AC, Hucks-Ortiz C, Beyrer C, Remien RH, Mayer K, Del Rio C, Batey DS, Farley JE, Gamble T, Tolley EE. Multilevel Stigma and Its Associations with Medical Care Ratings Among Men Who Have Sex With Men in HPTN 078. J Prim Care Community Health 2023; 14:21501319231175362. [PMID: 37243342 DOI: 10.1177/21501319231175362] [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: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Our research assessed associations between stigma-related variables and medical care ratings among clients with HIV in HIV Prevention Trials Network (HPTN) 078 who were men who have sex with men (MSM). METHODS Logistic regression explored care ratings, stigma, socio-demographics (N = 637). Qualitative thematic coding and themes explored stigmatizing experiences in different settings (N = 111). RESULTS Whites were twice as likely as African-Americans to report high care ratings (P < .05). Clients who reported familial exclusion due to having sex with men were 40% less likely to report high medical care ratings (P < .05). Clients who agreed healthcare providers think people with HIV "sleep around" were half as likely to report high care ratings (P < .08). Stigmatization included "treating me like they'll catch HIV from my hand," and care avoidance so others didn't "know I was having sex with men". CONCLUSIONS Providers can promote African American MSM client retention with more affirming healthcare provision, namely minimizing assumptions and addressing identities and client needs beyond just HIV care.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Christopher Hucks-Ortiz
- Black AIDS Institute, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- HIV Prevention Trials Network Black Caucus, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Chris Beyrer
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Kenneth Mayer
- The Fenway Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Public health services and intersectional stigma: a social sciences perspective with implications for HIV service design and delivery. Curr Opin HIV AIDS 2023; 18:18-26. [PMID: 36444656 DOI: 10.1097/coh.0000000000000769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Understanding stigma is important for improving HIV care services and gaps in HIV service delivery have been attributed to stigma. This review article synthesizes recent evidence on stigma and its implications for HIV service design and delivery. Given the intersectional nature of stigma, we will focus on HIV stigma as well as related forms of stigma based on one's race, sexual identity, gender identity and other identities. RECENT FINDINGS Stigma remains a barrier to achieving equity in HIV services. Individualistic measures of stigma remain influential and are associated with barriers to accessing HIV health services. Recent work also highlights stigma measured at a structural level and its impact on HIV services contexts. Individuals situated at intersections of marginalized identities continue to face greatest injustices, and although intersectional approaches have been adapted to design services at a micro level, few focus on structural change. Recent evidence for mitigating stigma indicates some success for psychosocial interventions that target internalized stigma. Furthermore, community-led approaches show promise in addressing stigma that manifests in HIV health services settings. SUMMARY Interventions that address individual-level stigma and structural stigma are needed. Theoretical and applied antistigma research is needed to make HIV services more equitable.
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Shi L, Tang W, Liu X, Hu H, Qiu T, Chen Y, Xu X, Chen Y, Zhang Z, Zhou Y, Lu J, Fu G. Trends of late HIV presentation and advance HIV disease among newly diagnosed HIV cases in Jiangsu, China: A serial cross-sectional study from 2008 to 2020. Front Public Health 2022; 10:1054765. [PMID: 36568791 PMCID: PMC9773559 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1054765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background This study aimed to assess the trends and determine the factors associated with late presentation (LP) and advanced HIV disease (AHD) among newly diagnosed people living with HIV (PLWH) from 2008 to 2020 in Jiangsu, China. Methods Newly diagnosed PLWH registered in the HIV surveillance system from 2008 to 2020 were included. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to analyze the factors associated with LP and AHD. The LP and AHD trends were assessed using Joint-point analysis. Results Of 37,251 newly diagnosed PLWH identified, 30,251(81.2%) patients met the inclusion criteria. Among those, 16,672 (55.1%) were considered LP, and 8,691 (28.7%) had AHD. LP trends steadily increased from 2008 (39.0%) to 2020 (59.4%), but AHD trends decreased visibly from 2016 (32.3%) to 2020 (23.4%). The overall median CD4 trends decreased slowly from 389 to 305 cells/mm3 between 2008 and 2020. Married patients and those older than 35 years were more likely to be LP and have AHD. Patients infected via heterosexual transmission had a higher risk of being classified as AHD (aOR: 1.13, 95%CI: 1.06-1.21) than patients infected via homosexual transmission. Patients that were diagnosed at sexually transmitted infections (STIs) clinics (aOR: 1.10, 95%CI: 1.01-1.20) and in hospitals (aOR: 1.69, 95%CI: 1.59-1.79) were more likely to be classified as LP compared with patients diagnosed at voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) centers. Similar, patients diagnosed at STIs clinics (aOR: 1.23, 95%CI: 1.11-1.36) and hospitals (aOR: 2.27, 95%CI: 2.12-2.43) were more likely to have AHD than patients diagnosed in VCT. Conclusion Our findings indicate an alarming burden of LP in Jiangsu, suggesting the need for more attention toward HIV diagnosis at early CD4 stages. National HIV control programs must strengthen comprehensive interventions for HIV prevention and promote HIV services. Also, strategies for HIV prevention (PrEP and PEP), testing, and treatment must be extended, especially among the general population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingen Shi
- Institute for STI and HIV Control and Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Weiming Tang
- Project-China, University of North Carolina, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoyan Liu
- Institute for STI and HIV Control and Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Haiyang Hu
- Institute for STI and HIV Control and Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Tao Qiu
- Institute for STI and HIV Control and Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yuheng Chen
- Institute for STI and HIV Control and Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaoqin Xu
- Institute for STI and HIV Control and Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yunting Chen
- Institute for STI and HIV Control and Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhi Zhang
- Institute for STI and HIV Control and Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ying Zhou
- Institute for STI and HIV Control and Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jing Lu
- Institute for STI and HIV Control and Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Gengfeng Fu
- Institute for STI and HIV Control and Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China,*Correspondence: Gengfeng Fu
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Status-Neutral Interventions to Support Health Equity for Black Sexual Minority Men. Curr HIV/AIDS Rep 2022; 19:265-280. [PMID: 35794447 DOI: 10.1007/s11904-022-00610-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Status-neutral care, a person-centered approach to healthcare not predicated on HIV serostatus, may improve health equity among Black sexual minority men (BSMM). We reviewed current status-neutral, HIV, and Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) interventions, and coded each for social-ecological focus and use of six approaches: (1) person-centered, (2) anti-stigma, (3) social support, (4) the social determinants of health (SDOH), (5) community engagement, and (6) multi-sectoral partnerships. RECENT FINDINGS We reviewed 25 studies, of which 3 were status-neutral. Nineteen studies utilized person-centered approaches, with several employing BSMM peers. For SDOH, financial incentives and reducing clinic-level barriers to care improved cascade outcomes. Direct text messaging, anti-stigma, social support, community-engagement, and multi-sectoral partnerships also improved outcomes in some studies. Few status-neutral programs exist and additional research is needed to identify key intervention components and mechanisms of influence. Programs targeting SDOH and multiple social-ecological levels offer promise for providing holistic care to BSMM, while addressing HIV prevention and treatment and health equity.
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Operario D, Sun S, Bermudez AN, Masa R, Shangani S, van der Elst E, Sanders E. Integrating HIV and mental health interventions to address a global syndemic among men who have sex with men. Lancet HIV 2022; 9:e574-e584. [PMID: 35750058 PMCID: PMC7613577 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-3018(22)00076-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 02/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
In this Series paper, we review evidence on the co-occurring and synergistic epidemics (syndemic) of HIV and mental health problems worldwide among men who have sex with men (MSM). The multilevel determinants of this global syndemic include structural factors that enable stigma, systematic bias, and violence towards MSM across geographical and cultural contexts. Cumulative exposure to these factors over time results in population-level inequities in the burden of HIV infections and mental health problems among MSM. Evidence for this syndemic among MSM is strongest in the USA, Canada, western Europe, and parts of Asia and Latin America, with emerging evidence from sub-Saharan Africa. Integrated interventions are needed to address syndemics of HIV and mental health problems that challenge the wellbeing of MSM populations worldwide, and such interventions should consider various mental health conditions (eg, depression, anxiety, trauma, and suicidality) and their unique expressions and relationships with HIV outcomes depending on cultural contexts. In addition, interventions should identify and intervene with locally relevant structural factors that result in HIV and mental health vulnerabilities among MSM.
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Ahmed A, Dujaili JA, Jabeen M, Umair MM, Chuah LH, Hashmi FK, Awaisu A, Chaiyakunapruk N. Barriers and Enablers for Adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy Among People Living With HIV/AIDS in the Era of COVID-19: A Qualitative Study From Pakistan. Front Pharmacol 2022; 12:807446. [PMID: 35153763 PMCID: PMC8832364 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.807446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: With the increased availability of safe antiretroviral therapy (ART) in recent years, achieving optimal adherence and patient retention is becoming the biggest challenge for people living with HIV (PLWH). Care retention is influenced by several socioeconomic, socio-cultural, and government policies during the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, we aim to explore barriers and facilitators to adherence to ART among PLWH in Pakistan in general and COVID-19 pandemic related in particular. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted among 25 PLWH from December 2020 to April 2021 in the local language (Urdu) at the ART centre of Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, Islamabad, Pakistan. Interviews were audio-recorded in the local Urdu language, and bilingual expert (English, Urdu) transcribed verbatim, coded for themes and sub-themes, and analyzed using a phenomenological approach for thematic content analysis. Results: Stigma and discrimination, fear of HIV disclosure, economic constraints, forgetfulness, religion (Ramadan, spiritual healing), adverse drug reactions, lack of social support, alternative therapies, and COVID-19-related lock-down and fear of lesser COVID-19 care due to HIV associated stigma were identified as barriers affecting the retention in HIV care. At the same time, positive social support, family responsibilities, use of reminders, the beneficial impact of ART, and initiation of telephone consultations, courier delivery, and long-term delivery of antiretrovirals during COVID-19 were identified as facilitators of HIV retention. Conclusion: Improving adherence and retention is even more challenging due to COVID-19; therefore, it requires the integration of enhanced access to treatment with improved employment and social support. HIV care providers must understand these reported factors comprehensively and treat patients accordingly to ensure the continuum of HIV care. A coordinated approach including different stakeholders is required to facilitate patient retention in HIV care and consequently improve the clinical outcomes of PLWH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Ahmed
- School of Pharmacy, Monash University, Subang Jaya, Malaysia
- Department of Pharmacy, Quaid-I-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
- *Correspondence: Ali Ahmed, ; Juman Abdulelah Dujaili, ; Ahmed Awaisu,
| | - Juman Abdulelah Dujaili
- School of Pharmacy, Monash University, Subang Jaya, Malaysia
- *Correspondence: Ali Ahmed, ; Juman Abdulelah Dujaili, ; Ahmed Awaisu,
| | - Musarat Jabeen
- ART Centre, Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) Hospital, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Malik Muhammad Umair
- National AIDS Control Programme, National Institute of Health, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Lay-Hong Chuah
- School of Pharmacy, Monash University, Subang Jaya, Malaysia
| | - Furqan Khurshid Hashmi
- University College of Pharmacy, University of the Punjab, Allama Iqbal Campus, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Ahmed Awaisu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Practice, College of Pharmacy, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
- *Correspondence: Ali Ahmed, ; Juman Abdulelah Dujaili, ; Ahmed Awaisu,
| | - Nathorn Chaiyakunapruk
- School of Pharmacy, Monash University, Subang Jaya, Malaysia
- Department of Pharmacotherapy, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
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Psychosocial Determinants of HIV Stigma among Men Who Have Sex with Men in San Francisco, California. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18158031. [PMID: 34360326 PMCID: PMC8345572 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18158031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Background: Stigma and discrimination are major challenges faced by people living with HIV (PLWH), and stigma continues to be prevalent among PLWH. We conducted a cross-sectional study of 584 men who have sex with men (MSM) living with HIV between July 2018 and December 2020, designed to better understand which demographic and behavioral characteristics of MSM living with HIV in San Francisco, California are associated with experience of stigma, so that programs and initiatives can be tailored appropriately to minimize HIV stigma’s impacts. Methods: This analysis was conducted with data from San Francisco AIDS Foundation (SFAF) encompassing services from multiple different locations in San Francisco. Data about the level of HIV-related stigma experienced were collected through a single question incorporated into programmatic data collection forms at SFAF as part of the client record stored in SFAF’s electronic health record. We performed linear regression to determine the associations between self-reported experiences of HIV stigma and other characteristics among MSM living with HIV. Results: HIV stigma was low overall among MSM living with HIV who are actively engaged in HIV care in San Francisco; however, it was significantly higher for the age groups of 13–29 years (adjusted risk difference (ARD): 0.251, 95% CI: 0.012, 0.489) and 30–49 years (ARD: 0.205, 95% CI: 0.042, 0.367) when compared to the age group of 50 years and older, as well as people who were homeless (ARD: 0.844, 95% CI: 0.120, 1.568), unstably housed (ARD: 0.326, 95% CI: 0.109, 0.543) and/or having mental health concerns (ARD: 0.309, 95% CI: 0.075, 0.544), controlling for race, injection history, and viral load. Conclusions: These findings highlight an opportunity to develop culturally, socially, and racially appropriate interventions to reduce HIV stigma among MSM living with HIV, particularly for younger men and those struggling with housing stability and/or mental health.
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