Factors associated with HIV stigma and the impact of a nonrandomized multi-component video aimed at reducing HIV stigma among a high-risk population in New York City

Association Between Clinical Encounter Frequency and HIV-Related Stigma Among Newly-Diagnosed People Living with HIV in Rwanda

HIV-related stigma in healthcare settings remains a key barrier to engaging people living with HIV (PLHIV) in care. This study investigated the association between clinical encounter frequency and HIV-related anticipated, enacted, and internalized stigma among newly-diagnosed PLHIV in Rwanda. From October 2020 to May 2022, we collected data from adult PLHIV on antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Kigali, Rwanda who were participating in a randomized, controlled trial testing early entry into differentiated care at 6 months after ART initiation. We measured anticipated HIV stigma with five-point Likert HIV Stigma Framework measures, enacted stigma with the four-point Likert HIV/AIDS Stigma Instrument, and internalized stigma with the four-point Likert HIV/AIDS Stigma Instrument. We used multivariable linear regression to test the associations between clinical encounter frequency (average inter-visit interval ≥ 50 days vs. < 50 days) and change in mean anticipated, enacted and internalized HIV stigma over the first 12 months in care. Among 93 individuals enrolled, 76 had complete data on encounter frequency and stigma measurements and were included in the present analysis. Mean internalized stigma scores of all participants decreased over the first 12 months in care. Anticipated and enacted stigma scores were low and did not change significantly over time. There was no association between encounter frequency and change in internalized stigma. In this pilot study of newly-diagnosed Rwandan PLHIV with relatively low levels of HIV-related stigma, clinical encounter frequency was not associated with change in stigma. Additional research in diverse settings and with larger samples is necessary to further explore this relationship.

The association between stigma and wellbeing in an Italian cohort of PLWH: The role of social support and personal factors

Our aim was to assess the association between different types of stigma and physical, behavioural and emotional wellbeing, and to evaluate whether these associations were mediated by the level of social support, age, education, sex and time from HIV diagnosis in an Italian cohort of people living with HIV (PLWH). We enrolled 96 PLWH and had them complete a cross-sectional online survey that included the "HSS-12", the "SF-12" and the "DASS-21". We performed linear regression analyses to explore the associations between the HSS-12 scores and cART adherence, viral load, SF-12 and DASS-21 scores, and a mediation analysis to identify mediators in the significant associations. We showed that higher level of depression and worse perception of mental health were significantly associated with higher HSS-12 "personalised stigma" (p = .009, p = .020) "disclosure concerns" (p = .012, p = .039), "concerns about public attitudes" (p =.007, p = .005) and "negative self-image" scores; (p < .001, p = .001); worse perception of physical health status was associated with higher HSS-12 "personalised stigma" scores (p = .018); higher level of anxiety and stress were associated with higher "negative self-image" scores (0.001 and p < .001). The association between higher HSS-12 "negative self-image" and higher levels of depression, anxiety and stress were mediated by lower age (a*b = +0.10; a*b = +0.12; a*b = +0.11). This study may have important implications for clinical practice as it contributes to understanding the characteristics and consequences of HIV-related stigma in a population of PLWH with excellent viroimmunological status and therapeutic adherence.

Social Support, Internalized HIV Stigma, Resilience and Depression Among People Living with HIV: A Moderated Mediation Analysis

Internalized HIV stigma has been associated with depression among people living with HIV (PLWH). However, it is still unclear whether resilience would mediate the association between internalized HIV stigma and depression and how this indirect effect would be moderated by social support. Data were collected from 402 PLWH in South Carolina using a cross-sectional survey. Data were fitted using a path model that specified the extent to which internalized HIV stigma and depression were related through resilience and how this effect was moderated by social support. Sociodemographic characteristics were included in the model as covariates. The indirect effect of internalized HIV stigma on depression through resilience was statistically significant for high social support but not for low social support. To mitigate negative impacts of internalized HIV stigma on mental health of PLWH, intervention efforts should integrate multilevel components for promoting both resilience and social support.

Psychosocial Protective and Risk Factors of Quality of Life Outcomes Among Older Adults Living With HIV

HIV continues to be a public health issue for older adults. Previous studies have examined predictors of quality of life (QoL) among people living with HIV (PLWH), but the majority have been in international settings and have not focused on older adults living with HIV (OALH). The aim of this study was to examine the associations between psychosocial protective and risk factors (resilience, internalized HIV-related stigma, and depression), and overall and domains (physical, psychological, independence, social, environmental, and spiritual) of QoL among OALH. Data were obtained from 156 OALH living in South Carolina. Resilience was positively associated with all QoL domains except the spiritual domain. Internalized HIV-related stigma was associated with all QoL domains except the psychological and environmental domains. Depression was associated with the overall QoL measure and all domains. Interventions aimed at increasing resilience, attenuating internalized HIV-related stigma and depressive symptoms may be warranted for OALH, which may improve overall and varying domains of QoL.

Video selection and assessment for an app-based HIV prevention messaging intervention: formative research

BACKGROUND

Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) continue to be overrepresented in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in the United States. HIV prevention and care interventions that are tailored to an individual's serostatus have the potential to lower the rate of new infections among GBMSM. Mobile technology is a critical tool for disseminating targeted messaging and increasing uptake of basic prevention services including HIV testing, sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing, and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Mobile Messaging for Men (M-Cubed) is a mobile health HIV prevention intervention designed to deliver video- and text-based prevention messages, provide STI and HIV information, and link GBMSM to prevention and healthcare resources. The current report describes an iterative process of identifying and selecting publicly available videos to be used as part of the M-Cubed intervention. We also conducted interviews with GBMSM to assess the acceptability, comprehension, and potential audience reach of the selected video messages.

METHODS

The selection of videos included balancing of specific criteria [e.g., accuracy of scientific information, video length, prevention domains: HIV/STI testing, antiretroviral therapy (ART), PrEP, engagement in care, and condom use] to ensure that they were intended for our GBMSM audiences: HIV-negative men who engage in condomless anal sex, HIV-negative men who do not engage in condomless anal sex, and men living with HIV. This formative study included in-person interviews with 26 GBMSM from three U.S. cities heavily impacted by the HIV epidemic-New York City, Detroit, and Atlanta.

RESULTS

Following a qualitative content analysis, the study team identified five themes across the interviews: participant reactions to the video messages, message comprehension, PrEP concerns, targeting of video messaging, and prompted action.

CONCLUSIONS

Study results informed a final selection of 12 video messages for inclusion in a randomized controlled trial of M-Cubed. Findings may serve as a guide for researchers who plan to develop HIV prevention interventions that utilize publicly available videos to promote behavioral change. Further, the findings presented here suggest the importance of developing videos with broad age and gender diversity for use in interventions such as M-Cubed, and in other health promotion settings.

A systematic review of self-report measures of generalized shame

OBJECTIVE

Shame is a transdiagnostic emotion of strong clinical and research interest. Yet, there is a lack of consensus on the definition and varying methods employed across self-report measures, potentially affecting our ability to accurately study shame and examine whether clinical interventions to alter shame are effective. This paper offers a systematic review of self-report measures of generalized shame.

METHODS

PubMed, PsycInfo, and Web of Science were searched. Studies were included when they were available in English and the primary aim was to evaluate measurement properties of scales or subscales designed to measure generalized shame in adults.

RESULTS

Thirty-six papers examining 19 scales were identified, with measures of trait shame more common than state shame. Construct validity, internal consistency, and structural validity were relative strengths. Development and content validity studies were lacking and suffered from low methodological quality.

CONCLUSIONS

All measures evaluated needed additional research to meet criteria for recommended use.

Socio-demographic, clinical and service use determinants associated with HIV related stigma among people living with HIV/AIDS: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Defining HIV-related stigma (HRS) can be problematic due to structural inequalities, cultural differences, discrimination by health care providers and the limitations of tools measuring stigma for people living with HIV (PLWH). This meta-analysis aimed to determine self-reported HRS and its association with socio-demographic and clinical determinants.

Methods

PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, PsycInfo, SciELO and Cochrane electronic databases were searched and after reviewing for study duplicates, the full-text of selected articles were assessed for eligibility using Population, Intervention, Comparator, Outcomes criteria. We used fixed and random-effects meta-analysis models to estimate the pooled prevalence, pooled odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals.

Results

Thirty-one studies containing 10,475 participants met the eligibility criteria. Among the potential risk factors: age > 30 years (OR = 0.93, 95%CI = 0.86, 1), living with a spouse (OR = 0.07, 95%CI = 0.02, 0.17), CD4 count < 200 (OR = 0.5, 95% CI = 0.31, 0.68), medication adherence (OR = 0.96, 95%CI = 0.94, 0.99), poor access to care (OR = 0.79, 95%CI = 0.65, 0.93), time since diagnosis, and accessibility to care (OR = 0.37, 95%CI = 0.11, 0.86) were all significantly associated with self-reported HIV stigma among PWLH.

Conclusion

Stigma is correlated with numerous negative consequences in marginalised populations including PLWH. Considering the negative association that stigma has on HIV prevention and treatment targeted evidence-based stigma reduction interventions are recommended. Interventions that are focused on a particular group, such as healthcare professionals are warranted. Rigorously designed studies with specific and validated outcome measures associated with targeted interventions may help to improve the reduction of HRS for PLWH.

Prevalence of U = U Awareness and Its Association with Anticipated HIV Stigma Among Low-Income Heterosexually Active Black and Latino Adults in New York City, 2019

The fact that people with HIV (PWH) who have an undetectable viral load cannot sexually transmit HIV has been disseminated under the messaging "Undetectable = Untransmittable" (U = U). U = U messaging intends to destigmatize HIV by demonstrating that PWH can have healthy sexual lives. Among a sample of low-income heterosexually active Black and Latino adults, we aimed to (1) measure the prevalence of U = U awareness and (2) determine its association with anticipated HIV stigma. Low-income heterosexually active adults were recruited through respondent-driven sampling in New York City. Among Black and Latino participants who self-reported not having HIV, multiple linear regression was used to determine the association between U = U awareness with the following types of anticipated HIV stigma, as determined by principal component analyses: (1) general; (2) dating related; and (3) sex related. Of 485 participants, 35% were aware of U = U. Those who were aware reported less dating-related [adjusted B: -0.20; 95% confidence interval (CI): -0.37 to -0.03] and sex-related (adjusted B: -0.15; 95% CI: -0.29 to -0.002) anticipated HIV stigma. Although the prevalence of U = U awareness was much lower than reported in other populations (e.g., gender and sexual minorities and PWH), prevalence was moderate in our sample, given that awareness efforts have generally not focused on heterosexually active adults. Our findings provide preliminary evidence that U = U awareness may have an impact on anticipated HIV stigma related to dating and sex. Additional methods to disseminate U = U messaging and dismantle HIV stigma in this population should be explored.

Buprenorphine dispensing in an epicenter of the U.S. opioid epidemic: A case study of the rural risk environment in Appalachian Kentucky

BACKGROUND

Buprenorphine is a cornerstone to curbing opioid epidemics, but emerging data suggest that rural pharmacists in the US sometimes refuse to dispense this medication. We conducted a case study to explore buprenorphine dispensing practices in 12 rural Appalachian Kentucky counties, and analyze whether and how they were shaped by features of the rural risk environment.

METHODS

In this case study, we conducted one-on-one semi-structured interviews with 14 pharmacists operating 15 pharmacies in these counties to explore buprenorphine dispensing practices and perceived influences on these practices. Thematic analyses of the resulting transcripts revealed three features of the rural risk environment that shaped dispensing. To explore these three risk environment features, we analyzed policy documents (e.g., Attorney General lawsuits) and administrative databases (e.g., incarceration data). Textual documents were analyzed using thematic analyses and administrative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics; memoes explored relationships among risk environment features and dispensing practices.

RESULTS

Twelve of the 15 pharmacies limited dispensing, by refusing to serve new patients; limiting dispensing to known patients or prescribers; or refusing to dispense buprenorphine altogether. Concerns about exceeding a "Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) cap" on opioid dispensing stifled dispensing. A legacy of aggressive and fraudulent marketing of opioid analgesics (OAs) by pharmaceutical companies and physician OA overprescribing undermined pharmacist trust in buprenorphine and in its prescribers. The escalating local war on drugs may have undermined dispensing by reinforcing stigma against people who use drugs.

CONCLUSIONS

Initiatives to increase buprenorphine prescribing must be accompanied by policy changes to increase dispensing. Specifically, buprenorphine should be removed from opioid monitoring systems; efforts to de-escalate the war on drugs should be extended to encompass rural areas; initiatives to dismantle aggressive OA marketing should be strengthened; and efforts to re-build pharmacist trust in physicians are needed.

The relationship between individual characteristics and HIV-related stigma in adults living with HIV: medical monitoring project, Florida, 2015-2016

BACKGROUND

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) disproportionately affects the Southern United States, accounting for approximately 46% of people living with HIV. HIV-related stigma is recognized as a barrier to testing, treatment, and prevention efforts. However, little is known about HIV-related stigma experiences in Florida. Using data collected from the Florida Medical Monitoring Project, we sought to examine individual characteristics associated with HIV-related stigma.

METHODS

We analyzed secondary data from the 2015-2016 Medical Monitoring Project in Florida (n = 603). Stigma was measured using the 10-item HIV Stigma Scale. Exploratory factor analysis of the HIV Stigma Scale revealed three subscales: negative self-image, anticipated, and personalized stigma. Bivariate and multivariate regression models were used to determine the individual characteristics associated with the HIV Stigma Scale.

RESULTS

Multivariate analysis indicated that people with severe depression scores (OR: 3.13; CI: 1.38-7.13) and persons with disability (OR: 1.64; CI: 1.03-2.61) had significantly increased odds of higher overall stigma. In the subscale analyses, negative self-image was significantly associated with alcohol misuse (OR: 2.02; CI: 1.15-3.56) depression (OR: 2.81; CI: 1.38-5.72) and/or those who identify as homosexual (OR: 0.54; CI: 0.31-0.93). Anticipated stigma was significantly associated with people who had mild-moderate depression (OR: 3.03; CI: 1.20-7.65), severe depression (OR: 2.87; CI: 1.38-5.98), identified as Black (OR: 0.60; CI: 0.37-0.98), non-injection drug use (OR: 0.55; CI: 0.33-0.91), and/or people aged 50 years and older (OR: 0.28; CI: 0.09-0.82). Personalized stigma was not associated with any of the variables examined.

CONCLUSIONS

The implications of these findings reveal that certain individuals are more vulnerable to stigma. Researchers could consider distinct stigma interventions strategies based on the characteristics of specific individuals (i.e., targeting depression, disability, sexual orientation, avoidant coping, racial/ethnic groups, and youth) in Florida.

HIV and drug related stigma and risk-taking behaviors among people who inject drugs: a systematic review and meta-analysis

The impact of HIV-related stigma on people living with HIV has been well documented, but there have been few studies examining how drug-related stigma impacts risk-taking in the lives of people who inject drugs (PWID). This meta-analysis aimed to determine HIV and drug-related stigma and the association it has with risk-taking behaviors among PWID. We searched PubMed, Science Direct, Web of Science, and Cochrane electronic databases independently in March 2019. After reviewing for any study duplicates the full-text of selected articles were assessed for eligibility using Population, Intervention, Comparator, Outcomes (PICO) criteria. We used fixed and random-effects meta-analysis models to estimate the pooled prevalence, pooled odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals. After a detailed assessment, a total of 14 studies containing 13,689 participants met the eligibility criteria. Among the potential risk factors: employment status, depression and sharing injecting paraphernalia had a significant relationship with HIV and drug stigma among PWIDs respectively (OR = 0.78, 95%CI = 0.62-0.98), (OR = 1.84, 95%CI = 1.45-2.33) and (OR = 2.20, 95%CI = 1.84-1.63). Illicit drug use related stigma was found to be associated with several concurrent effects. The impact of stigma should be considered in the development of drug use prevention strategies. Perceived stigma is correlated with numerous negative consequences in other populations including people living with HIV/AIDS. These data suggest this could also be generalized to people who inject drugs because it seems that individuals with internalized stigma experience drug dependence, reduced comfort in seeking help from services and higher rates of depression.

Evaluation of Sex Positive! A Video eHealth Intervention for Men Living with HIV

Sex Positive!^[+] is a two-arm, video-based web intervention aimed at reducing condomless anal sex (CAS) with partners of known and unknown serostatus that was delivered online to a racially and ethnically diverse sample of 830 gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men living with HIV. Men in each arm received 6 weekly videos after completing a baseline assessment and 4 weekly booster videos following a 6-month assessment. Follow-up assessments were conducted every 3 months for 1 year. At 3-month follow-up, men in the intervention arm reported significantly reduced risk of having unknown serodiscordant CAS partners than men in the control arm (RR 0.60, 95% CI 0.39-0.92), partially supporting study hypotheses. Aside from this finding, similar reductions in sexual risk behaviors were observed in both arms over the study period. There is much to be learned about video-based web interventions in terms of methodological development and intervention delivery, including frequency and duration of intervention components.

Perceived stigma among people living with HIV/AIDS in Pokhara, Nepal

BACKGROUND

HIV-related stigma among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) is the foremost barrier to HIV prevention, treatment, care, and support. The aim of this study was to identify the perceived stigma level of PLWHA and its relation with selected demographic and situational factors in Pokhara, Nepal.

METHODS

Cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 282 PLWHA after probability sampling from antiretroviral treatment center of Western Regional Hospital, Pokhara, Nepal. Face-to-face interview was taken by using Bunn standard HSS tool. Stigma was measured in terms of felt stigma (public attitude concern [PAC], disclosure concern [DC], negative self-image [NSI]), enacted stigma [ES], as well as overall stigma.

RESULT

The mean score of PAC, DC, NSI, ES, and overall stigma was 3.09, 3.02, 2.79, 1.66, and 2.52, respectively, where mean score of all domains of felt stigma (PAC, DC, and NSI) was >2.5, thus reflecting a higher level of felt stigma. ANOVA and t-test revealed higher level of overall stigma among younger age group (P<0.001), highly educated group (P=0.007), unmarried group (P<0.001), and recently HIV-diagnosed group (P=0.003).

CONCLUSION

The study suggests high level of felt stigma, which has devastating effects on PLWHA as well as leads to nondisclosure of sero-positive status. So considering the significant impact of felt stigma on control of HIV epidemic, it is important to have a broader comprehension of this phenomenon and its repercussions on PLWHA via timely intervention like better educational intervention and counseling to PLWHA, wide-scale societal awareness campaigns, and more focused local interventions.

Prevalence of Internalized HIV-Related Stigma Among HIV-Infected Adults in Care, United States, 2011-2013

HIV-infected U.S. adults have reported internalized HIV-related stigma; however, the national prevalence of stigma is unknown. We sought to determine HIV-related stigma prevalence among adults in care, describe which socio-demographic groups bear the greatest stigma burden, and assess the association between stigma and sustained HIV viral suppression. The Medical Monitoring Project measures characteristics of U.S. HIV-infected adults receiving care using a national probability sample. We used weighted data collected from June 2011 to May 2014 and assessed self-reported internalized stigma based on agreement with six statements. Overall, 79.1% endorsed ≥1 HIV-related stigma statements (n = 13,841). The average stigma score was 2.4 (out of a possible high score of six). White males had the lowest stigma scores while Hispanic/Latina females and transgender persons who were multiracial or other race had the highest. Although stigma was associated with viral suppression, it was no longer associated after adjusting for age. Stigma was common among HIV-infected adults in care. Results suggest individual and community stigma interventions may be needed, particularly among those who are <50 years old or Hispanic/Latino. Stigma was not independently associated with viral suppression; however, this sample was limited to adults in care. Examining HIV-infected persons not in care may elucidate stigma's association with viral suppression.

Comparison Between Urinalysis Results and Self-Reported Heroin Use Among Patients Undergoing Methadone Maintenance Treatment in China

BACKGROUND

The validity and concordance of two main measures of drug use behavior, self-report and urinalysis, has long been discussed. More understanding is needed about the underlying factors associated with discordance between these two methods.

OBJECTIVES

Describe the pattern and associated factors of discordance between self-reported heroin use and the urinalysis results of opiate use among methadone maintenance therapy (MMT) patients in China.

METHODS

A total of 2,448 MMT patients from 68 clinics in five provinces of China participated in a survey, which collected information on demographics, drug use and MMT-related factors, depressive symptoms, and drug avoidance self-efficacy. The most recent urine morphine test result was obtained from medical records and compared with self-reported heroin use. Participants who had urinalysis within 14 days of the survey were included in the analysis.

RESULTS

Among the 1,092 participants, 70 (6.4%) self-reported heroin use and 195 (17.9%) had positive urinalysis results. The over-reporters group had significantly higher education, and the under-reporters had significantly higher level of drug-avoidance self-efficacy and lower level of depressive symptoms. Among the participants who either self-reported heroin use or had positive urinalysis results, being young, having higher education, and having lower level of depressive symptoms were associated with discordance between self-reports and urinalysis results.

CONCLUSION

The combination of both measures in assessing drug use behavior seems necessary. The validity of self-report should be considered differently based on demographic and psychosocial characteristics.

Pharmacy Intervention to Improve HIV Testing Uptake Using a Comprehensive Health Screening Approach

OBJECTIVE

HIV testing is increasingly available, yet barriers to HIV testing persist for low-income black and Latino people, especially those who use illicit drugs. HIV exceptionalism, or the idea that a positive HIV diagnosis is drastically different from a diagnosis for any other disease, may influence HIV testing-related stigma, resulting in reduced willingness to undergo HIV testing. This pharmacy-based intervention combined HIV testing with less stigmatized chronic disease screening tests (e.g., blood pressure, glucose, and cholesterol) to equate the concept of an HIV diagnosis with other diagnoses.

METHODS

Three pharmacies located in low-income, minority neighborhoods in New York City were enrolled in an intervention to provide (1) HIV testing, chronic disease screening, and a healthy lifestyles video that normalized all screening tests and destigmatized HIV as a fatal disease (comprehensive arm); (2) HIV testing and the video (video arm); and (3) HIV testing only (control arm). Injection drug users (IDUs) and pharmacy staff recruited un- and underinsured pharmacy customers, IDUs, and IDU peers from 2010 to 2012. Participants in the control group were compared with those in the comprehensive and video intervention groups.

RESULTS

Participants in the comprehensive arm (prevalence ratio [PR] = 1.61, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.03, 2.49, p=0.08) and the video arm (PR=1.59, 95% CI 1.00, 2.53, p=0.09) were marginally significantly more likely to receive an HIV test in the pharmacy compared with those in the control arm after adjustment.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that adoption of strategies that destigmatize and normalize HIV testing can improve uptake. Implementation of this strategy in low-access, minority communities with high HIV prevalence and among high-risk populations may help reduce racial/ethnic disparities in HIV.