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de Villiers L, Swartz L, Bock P, Seeley J, Stangl AL, Bond V, Hargreaves J, Hoddinott G. HIV and gender identity expression among transfeminine people in the Western Cape, South Africa - a thematic analysis of data from the HPTN 071 (PopART) trial. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:1807. [PMID: 38971729 PMCID: PMC11227193 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-19215-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/08/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Transfeminine people in South Africa have a high HIV risk due to structural, behavioural, and psychosocial factors. Transfeminine people and feminine identifying men who have sex with men (MSM) are often conflated or grouped with transgender or MSM categories in HIV service programming, although they don't necessarily identify as either. We aimed to investigate gender expression among feminine identifying people who were assigned male at birth. We examined how local conceptualizations of sexuality and gender intersect with the key population label of 'transgender' imported into local HIV programming. METHODS A qualitative cohort nested within the HPTN 071 (PopART) trial included longitudinal, in-depth interviews with eight transfeminine people (four who disclosed as living with HIV). Data were collected approximately every six weeks between January 2016 and October 2017. We used a combination of thematic analysis and case study descriptions to explore gender identification among participants. RESULTS Of the eight participants, only one accepted 'transgender' as a label, and even she used varying terms at different times to describe her identity. For participants, a feminine identity included dressing in normatively feminine clothes; using feminine terms, pronouns and names; and adopting stereotypically feminine mannerisms. Participants would switch between typically feminine and masculine norms in response to contextual cues and audience. For example, some participants accepted identification as masculine gay men amongst their family members. Among peers, they expressed their identity through typically more effeminate gender characteristics, for example self-identifying as "femgay". With partners they often also took on a feminine identity role, for example identifying as women in sexual and romantic relationships (meaning they viewed and expressed themselves as the feminine partner in the relationship). CONCLUSIONS Our findings are amongst the first exploratory and descriptive data of transfeminine people in South Africa. We show how transfeminine people navigate fluid gender identities that could pose a challenge for accessing and utilizing HIV services that are currently set up for transgender individuals or MSM. More work needs to be done to understand and respond to the diverse and shifting ways people experience their gender identities in this high HIV burden context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laing de Villiers
- Desmond Tutu TB Centre, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa.
- Department of Psychology, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa.
- Pivot Collective, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - Leslie Swartz
- Department of Psychology, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Peter Bock
- Desmond Tutu TB Centre, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Janet Seeley
- Department of Global Health and Development, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Anne L Stangl
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Hera Solutions, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Virginia Bond
- Department of Global Health and Development, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- Zambart, School of Public Health, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - James Hargreaves
- Department of Public Health, Environments and Society, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Graeme Hoddinott
- Desmond Tutu TB Centre, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Group for Research on Infectious Diseases, Department of Human Biological and Translational Medical Sciences, University of Namibia, Windhoek, Namibia
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De Villiers L, Swartz L, Bock P, Seeley J, Stangl AL, Bond V, Hargreaves J, Hoddinott G. HIV and gender identity expression among transfeminine women in the Western Cape, South Africa - a thematic analysis of data from the HPTN 071 (PopART) trial. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-2486896. [PMID: 36798211 PMCID: PMC9934773 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-2486896/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Introduction Transfeminine women in South Africa have a high HIV risk due to structural, behavioural, and psychosocial factors. Transfeminine women and feminine identifying men who have sex with men (MSM) are often conflated or grouped with transgender or MSM categories in HIV service programming, although they don't necessarily identify as either. We aimed to investigate gender expression among feminine identifying people who were assigned male at birth. We examined how local conceptualizations of sexuality and gender intersect with the key population label of 'transgender' imported into local HIV programming. Methods A qualitative cohort nested within the HPTN 071 (PopART) trial included longitudinal, in-depth interviews with eight transfeminine women (four who disclosed as living with HIV). Data were collected approximately every six weeks between January 2016 and October 2017. We discuss gender identification presented in participants' daily lives and in relation to HIV service access. Results Of the eight participants, only one accepted 'transgender' as a label, and even she used varying terms at different times to describe her identity. For participants, a feminine identity included dressing in normatively feminine clothes; using feminine terms, pronouns and names; and adopting stereotypically feminine mannerisms. Participants would switch between typically feminine and masculine norms in response to contextual cues and audience. For example, some participants accepted identification as masculine gay men amongst their family members, but amongst peers, they expressed a more effeminate identity and with partners they took on a feminine identity. Conclusions Our findings are amongst the first exploratory and descriptive data of transfeminine women in South Africa. We show how transfeminine women navigate fluid gender identities that could pose a challenge for accessing and utilizing HIV services that are currently set up for transgender individuals or MSM. More work needs to be done to understand and respond to the diverse and shifting ways people experience their gender identities in this high HIV burden context.
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Gumindega GC, Maharaj P. Factors influencing HIV-risk perception among MSM students at a university in Durban, South Africa. AJAR-AFRICAN JOURNAL OF AIDS RESEARCH 2021; 20:244-253. [PMID: 34635016 DOI: 10.2989/16085906.2021.1981413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Risk perception is embedded in attitudes and beliefs that determine how one ultimately behaves. In relation to HIV-risk behaviours, risk perception is a key dimension in most health behaviour models used to construct health promotion campaigns. This study aimed to understand HIV-risk perception and associated factors among men who have sex with men (MSM). The qualitative data used in this study came from 15 in-depth interviews with MSM studying at the University of KwaZulu-Natal in Durban, South Africa. The findings show that MSM perceive themselves to be at risk for HIV due to their awareness of the main routes of infection. This perception exists because HIV has affected them through the loss of close family members. With each sexual encounter, risk perception changed based on factors such as the sexual role being assumed (insertive versus receptive), the socio-economic status of the partner, perceived level of discriminatory dating patterns, and the use of preventive measures. High levels of risk perception among the men did not translate into positive attitudes towards condoms as many of them preferred to have unprotected sex with trusted partners. Despite perceiving their risk of HIV infection to be high, MSM continue to engage in multiple sexual partnerships and high partner turnover. However, the men in this study were keen to protect their health; with time, they have developed more positive attitudes towards HIV and they understand that it is possible to protect oneself before and after infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geogina Charity Gumindega
- School of Built Environment and Development Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Pranitha Maharaj
- School of Built Environment and Development Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
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de Villiers L, Thomas A, Jivan D, Hoddinott G, Hargreaves JR, Bond V, Stangl A, Bock P, Reynolds L. Stigma and HIV service access among transfeminine and gender diverse women in South Africa - a narrative analysis of longitudinal qualitative data from the HPTN 071 (PopART) trial. BMC Public Health 2020; 20:1898. [PMID: 33302903 PMCID: PMC7727216 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-020-09942-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Transgender women have a disproportionately high HIV prevalence compared to cisgender women and men who have sex with men, which puts them at risk of HIV-related stigma (Baral SD et al., Lancet Infect Dis, 13;3, 2013). People whose gender identities are in tension with dominant social norms (including transgender women) often also experience gender identity-related stigma. There has been increasing attention to transgender people in HIV research and interventions. However, very little research has been done in sub-Saharan African countries. Methods We conducted a qualitative cohort study which included eight transfeminine and/or gender diverse women (four living with HIV) in Western Cape, South Africa, for a follow-up period of 12–18 months. Using a narrative analysis approach, we set out to understand how transfeminine and gender diverse participants in the cohort anticipated, experienced and internalised HIV stigma and gender identity stigma, and how these stigmas affected HIV service access. Result We found that participants reported anticipated, experienced, and internalised stigma relating both to their gender identity and to living with HIV. Participants reported inconsistent uptake of antiretroviral therapy (ART) services (including ART initiation and adherence) that they linked to stigma. We also found that gender diverse women and transfeminine women are challenged with other stigmatising social identities, like being a sex worker, drug user and/or a man (or assigned male sex at birth) who have sex with men (MSM). We use the terms ‘transfeminine’ and ‘gender diverse’ as terms that are inclusive of gender variant people who were all assigned male sex at birth and identify as women in some or all aspects of their lives. The persons in our study also showed gender identifications that were fluid and sometimes varied in different contexts and situations, therefore gender identity and sexual identity were often conflated for these individuals. Participants managed high levels of reported stigma by drawing on social support networks like families, friends and peers. Conclusion Our study provides exploratory work on how stigma may affect HIV services uptake amongst gender diverse women and transfeminine women in South Africa. We recommend future studies to further explore the unique HIV risks of gender diverse individuals. Trial registration DOH-27-0513-4253. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-020-09942-5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laing de Villiers
- Desmond Tutu TB Centre, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch University, K-Floor, Clinical Building, Tygerberg Campus, Francie van Zyl Drive, Tygerberg, Cape Town, 7505, South Africa.
| | - Angelique Thomas
- Desmond Tutu TB Centre, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch University, K-Floor, Clinical Building, Tygerberg Campus, Francie van Zyl Drive, Tygerberg, Cape Town, 7505, South Africa
| | - Dionne Jivan
- Desmond Tutu TB Centre, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch University, K-Floor, Clinical Building, Tygerberg Campus, Francie van Zyl Drive, Tygerberg, Cape Town, 7505, South Africa
| | - Graeme Hoddinott
- Desmond Tutu TB Centre, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch University, K-Floor, Clinical Building, Tygerberg Campus, Francie van Zyl Drive, Tygerberg, Cape Town, 7505, South Africa
| | - James R Hargreaves
- Department of Social and Environmental Health Research, Centre for Evaluation, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Virginia Bond
- Zambart, School of Public Health, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia.,Department of Global Health and Development, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Anne Stangl
- International Center for Research on Women, Washington, USA
| | - Peter Bock
- Desmond Tutu TB Centre, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch University, K-Floor, Clinical Building, Tygerberg Campus, Francie van Zyl Drive, Tygerberg, Cape Town, 7505, South Africa
| | - Lindsey Reynolds
- Department of Sociology and Social Anthropology, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa.
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Adedimeji A, Sinayobye JD, Asiimwe-Kateera B, Chaudhry J, Buzinge L, Gitembagara A, Murenzi G, Mugenzi P, Patel VV, Castle PE, Mutesa L, Palefsky J, Anastos KM. Social contexts as mediator of risk behaviors in Rwandan men who have sex with men (MSM): Implications for HIV and STI transmission. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0211099. [PMID: 30657797 PMCID: PMC6338414 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0211099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2017] [Accepted: 01/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Men who have sex with men (MSM) are disproportionately impacted by HIV/AIDS resulting from risky sexual behaviors. Social and contextual factors are known to mediate risk behaviors, but there is limited information about the prevalence of risky sexual practices of Rwandan MSM and the concomitant socio-contextual determinants making it difficult to assess implications for preventing HIV/STI transmission in this key population. METHODS Using exploratory qualitative design, we obtained socio-contextual information regarding prevalence of risky sexual behavior and assessed implications for HIV/ STIs transmission and preventive measures taken by MSM to improve sexual health and wellbeing. Thirty MSM were recruited to participate in in-depth interviews using respondent-driven sampling from LGBT associations in Kigali. Data were analyzed using standard qualitative data analysis procedures. RESULTS Respondents' were between 18-40 years old; all completed primary education and are mostly low-socioeconomic status. Risky sexual practices were common, but differed by peculiar individual and contextual factors. Older MSM often reported occasional sexual relations with women to avoid suspicion and social stigma. Younger MSM's risky sexual practices are mostly transactional and mediated by the need for social acceptance and support. Knowledge of STIs was poor, but prevalence, especially of HPV was high. The options for improving sexual wellbeing are limited and mostly clandestine. CONCLUSION Risky sexual behavior of Rwandan MSM has major implications for HIV/STI transmission. An environment of intense social stigma and social isolation makes it difficult to obtain information or services to improve sexual health. Effective interventions that address individual and contextual determinants of risk and access to health services are urgently needed to limit the consequence of MSM as a bridge for HIV transmission to the general population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adebola Adedimeji
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Jean d’Amour Sinayobye
- Division of Research and Medical Education, Rwanda Military Hospital, Kanombe, Kigali, Rwanda
| | | | - Junaid Chaudhry
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, United States of America
| | - Lydia Buzinge
- Division of Research and Medical Education, Rwanda Military Hospital, Kanombe, Kigali, Rwanda
| | | | - Gad Murenzi
- Division of Research and Medical Education, Rwanda Military Hospital, Kanombe, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Pacifique Mugenzi
- Division of Research and Medical Education, Rwanda Military Hospital, Kanombe, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Viraj V. Patel
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine/Montefiore Health System, Bronx, New York, United States of America
| | - Philip E. Castle
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, United States of America
| | - Leon Mutesa
- College of Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Joel Palefsky
- School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Kathryn M. Anastos
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, United States of America
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine/Montefiore Health System, Bronx, New York, United States of America
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Daniels J, Struthers H, Lane T, Maleke K, McIntyre J, Coates T. "Booze is the main factor that got me where I am today": alcohol use and HIV risk for MSM in rural South Africa. AIDS Care 2018; 30:1452-1458. [PMID: 29807437 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2018.1475626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Excessive alcohol consumption has been shown to increase HIV risk for men who have sex with men (MSM) and compromise HIV prevention behaviors. However, there is limited contextual understanding of alcohol use for MSM in rural sub-Saharan African settings, which can inform and direct HIV interventions. Applying an adaptation of PhotoVoice, we worked with 35 HIV-positive MSM who created photo-essays about alcohol and HIV in Mpumalanga. A semi-structured protocol was used in focus group discussions that were audio-recorded, translated and transcribed. Transcript data and visual data of 24 photo-essays were analyzed using a constant comparison approach. We found that participants used alcohol to build and sustain social networks, meet sexual partners, and enhance sexual experience. Excessive alcohol use was common, which was associated with increased HIV risk behaviors within a community of MSM who maintained multiple partnerships. Our study suggests that HIV interventions need to address excessive alcohol use to mitigate the associated HIV risk at both the individual and community levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Daniels
- a Lehman College, The City University of New York , New York , USA
| | | | - Tim Lane
- c Center for AIDS Prevention Science , University of California San Francisco , San Francisco , USA
| | - Kabelo Maleke
- b Anova Health Institute , Johannesburg , South Africa
| | | | - Tom Coates
- d Center for World Health , David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles , Los Angeles , USA
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Weir SS, Baral SD, Edwards JK, Zadrozny S, Hargreaves J, Zhao J, Sabin K. Opportunities for Enhanced Strategic Use of Surveys, Medical Records, and Program Data for HIV Surveillance of Key Populations: Scoping Review. JMIR Public Health Surveill 2018; 4:e28. [PMID: 29789279 PMCID: PMC5989065 DOI: 10.2196/publichealth.8042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2017] [Revised: 11/14/2017] [Accepted: 12/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Normative guidelines from the World Health Organization recommend tracking strategic information indicators among key populations. Monitoring progress in the global response to the HIV epidemic uses indicators put forward by the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS. These include the 90-90-90 targets that require a realignment of surveillance data, routinely collected program data, and medical record data, which historically have developed separately. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to describe current challenges for monitoring HIV-related strategic information indicators among key populations ((men who have sex with men [MSM], people in prisons and other closed settings, people who inject drugs, sex workers, and transgender people) and identify future opportunities to enhance the use of surveillance data, programmatic data, and medical record data to describe the HIV epidemic among key populations and measure the coverage of HIV prevention, care, and treatment programs. METHODS To provide a historical perspective, we completed a scoping review of the expansion of HIV surveillance among key populations over the past three decades. To describe current efforts, we conducted a review of the literature to identify published examples of SI indicator estimates among key populations. To describe anticipated challenges and future opportunities to improve measurement of strategic information indicators, particularly from routine program and health data, we consulted participants of the Third Global HIV Surveillance Meeting in Bangkok, where the 2015 World Health Organization strategic information guidelines were launched. RESULTS There remains suboptimal alignment of surveillance and programmatic data, as well as routinely collected medical records to facilitate the reporting of the 90-90-90 indicators for HIV among key populations. Studies (n=3) with estimates of all three 90-90-90 indicators rely on cross-sectional survey data. Programmatic data and medical record data continue to be insufficiently robust to provide estimates of the 90-90-90 targets for key populations. CONCLUSIONS Current reliance on more active data collection processes, including key population-specific surveys, remains warranted until the quality and validity of passively collected routine program and medical record data for key populations is optimized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon Stucker Weir
- Carolina Population Center, Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Stefan D Baral
- Center for Public Health and Human Rights, Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Jessie K Edwards
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Sabrina Zadrozny
- Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - James Hargreaves
- Department of Social and Environmental Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jinkou Zhao
- Technical.Advice and Partnerships Department, The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Keith Sabin
- Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS, Geneva, Switzerland
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Maleke K, Daniels J, Lane T, Struthers H, McIntyre J, Coates T. How social stigma sustains the HIV treatment gap for MSM in Mpumalanga, South Africa. Glob Health Promot 2017; 26:6-13. [PMID: 29168662 DOI: 10.1177/1757975917737509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
There are gaps in HIV care for men who have sex with men (MSM) in African settings, and HIV social stigma plays a significant role in sustaining these gaps. We conducted a three-year research project with 49 HIV-positive MSM in two districts in Mpumalanga Province, South Africa, to understand the factors that inform HIV care seeking behaviors. Semi-structured focus group discussions and interviews were conducted in IsiZulu, SiSwati, and some code-switching into English, and these were audio-recorded, transcribed, and translated into English. We used a constant comparison approach to analyze these data. HIV social stigma centered around gossip that sustained self-diagnosis and delayed clinical care with decisions to use traditional healers to mitigate the impact of gossip on their lives. More collaboration models are needed between traditional healers and health professionals to support the global goals for HIV testing and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Joseph Daniels
- Department of Health Sciences, Lehman College of CUNY, New York, NY, USA
| | - Tim Lane
- Center for AIDS Prevention Science, UCSF, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Thomas Coates
- Center for World Health, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Lee M, Sandfort T, Collier K, Lane T, Reddy V. Breakage is the norm: use of condoms and lubrication in anal sex among Black South African men who have sex with men. CULTURE, HEALTH & SEXUALITY 2017; 19:501-514. [PMID: 27737625 PMCID: PMC5340618 DOI: 10.1080/13691058.2016.1239134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
This paper explores condom use and lubrication practices among Black men who have sex with men in South African townships. Results are from 81 in-depth individual interviews conducted among a purposive sample from four townships surrounding Pretoria as part of a larger qualitative study. Awareness that condoms should be used to have safer anal sex was ubiquitous. Fewer men reported that lubricants should be used to facilitate anal intercourse. Partner pressure and partner distrust were the most common barriers cited for not using condoms and lubricants. Knowledge about condom-lubricant compatibility was rare. Condom problems were a norm, with widespread expectations of condom failure. Men's subjectivities - their perceptions of and preferences for specific brands, types and flavours of condoms and lubricants - influenced engagement with such safer-sex technologies. However, what was available in these settings was often neither what men needed nor preferred. Findings show the need to enhance access to appropriate and comprehensive: safer-sex supplies, health services and health education, and underline the importance of efforts to develop targeted programmes relevant to experiences of men who have sex with men in the South African context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Lee
- HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University and New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, New York, USA
| | - Theo Sandfort
- HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University and New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, New York, USA
| | - Kate Collier
- HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University and New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, New York, USA
| | - Tim Lane
- Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, University of California San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Vasu Reddy
- Faculty of Humanities, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
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Scheibe AP, Duby Z, Brown B, Sanders EJ, Bekker LG. Attitude shifts and knowledge gains: Evaluating men who have sex with men sensitisation training for healthcare workers in the Western Cape, South Africa. South Afr J HIV Med 2017; 18:673. [PMID: 29568621 PMCID: PMC5843261 DOI: 10.4102/sajhivmed.v18i1.673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2016] [Accepted: 02/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Men who have sex with men (MSM) in South Africa experience discrimination from healthcare workers (HCWs), impeding health service access. Objectives To evaluate the outcomes of an MSM sensitisation training programme for HCWs implemented in the Western Cape province (South Africa). Methods A training programme was developed to equip HCWs with the knowledge, awareness and skills required to provide non-discriminatory, non-judgemental and appropriate services to MSM. Overall, 592 HCWs were trained between February 2010 and May 2012. Trainees completed self-administered pre- and post-training questionnaires assessing changes in knowledge. Two-sample t-tests for proportion were used to assess changes in specific answers and the Wilcoxon rank-sum test for overall knowledge scores. Qualitative data came from anonymous post-training evaluation forms completed by all trainees, in combination with four focus group discussions (n = 28) conducted six months after their training. Results Fourteen per cent of trainees had received previous training to counsel clients around penile-anal intercourse, and 16% had previously received training around sexual health issues affecting MSM. There was a statistically significant improvement in overall knowledge scores (80% - 87%, p < 0.0001), specifically around penile-anal intercourse, substance use and depression after the training. Reductions in negative attitudes towards MSM and increased ability for HCWs to provide non-discriminatory care were reported as a result of the training. Conclusion MSM sensitisation training for HCWs is an effective intervention to increase awareness on issues pertaining to MSM and how to engage around them, reduce discriminatory attitudes and enable the provision of non-judgemental and appropriate services by HCWs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew P Scheibe
- Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Zoe Duby
- Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Ben Brown
- Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Eduard J Sanders
- KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya.,Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Linda-Gail Bekker
- Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, South Africa
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Learning to Live With HIV in the Rural Townships: A Photovoice Study of Men Who Have Sex With Men Living With HIV in Mpumalanga, South Africa. J Assoc Nurses AIDS Care 2017; 28:408-421. [PMID: 28279587 DOI: 10.1016/j.jana.2017.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2016] [Accepted: 02/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
There is limited understanding about the health and well-being of men who have sex with men (MSM) with HIV infection living in rural African areas. We present the results of an adapted photovoice project with 35 MSM with HIV infection who live in townships in Mpumalanga, South Africa. The project was designed to explore the social factors that influenced HIV care. Twenty-four photo essays were developed by participants in focus group discussions that were audio-recorded and transcribed for analysis. Transcripts and photo essays were coded using a constant comparison approach combining researcher observation notes and reflection on participant-identified themes. Participants identified (a) a shared experience of illness and coming to terms with having HIV infection and (b) family and taverns as necessary support systems. The findings suggested that family- and tavern-based interventions might improve health outcomes for MSM newly diagnosed with HIV infection living in rural and semi-rural African communities.
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