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Shi C, Cleofas JV. Improving Willingness to Care and Training Needs for PLWHA from the Perspective of Student Nurses in China: A Qualitative Study. Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:1646. [PMID: 39201204 PMCID: PMC11353281 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12161646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2024] [Revised: 08/04/2024] [Accepted: 08/14/2024] [Indexed: 09/02/2024] Open
Abstract
People living with HIV and AIDS (PLWHA) deserve equitable and high-quality care. Current HIV and AIDS nursing education may not adequately prepare student nurses for the complexities of caring for PLWHA, and the perspectives of student nurses have not been sufficiently revealed in nursing education research. This study aimed to explore the viewpoints of student nurses with AIDS care experience on methods to improve their care willingness for PLWHA and to identify their educational and training needs. A descriptive qualitative study design was employed, interviewing 18 undergraduate student nurses from 14 tertiary hospitals across 7 provinces in China. Content analysis of transcripts revealed insightful suggestions for improving nursing students' willingness, such as increased HIV and AIDS education and training, psychological preparation, positive role modeling, raising awareness about AIDS patients, and fostering nursing professionalism. Highlighted education and training needs include progress in HIV and AIDS treatment, preventive measures, psychological support for PLWHA, post-exposure protocols, and HIV-infected risk behaviors. These findings highlight the need for HIV and AIDS education, psychological support training, and stigma-reduction strategies. This study provides valuable insights that could inform policymakers, educators, and healthcare providers on preparing future nurses to meet the complex needs of PLWHA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunhong Shi
- Nursing Department, XiangNan University, Chenzhou 423000, China;
- College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences, St. Paul University Manila, Manila 1004, Philippines
| | - Jerome V. Cleofas
- Department of Sociology and Behavioral Sciences, De La Salle University, Manila 1004, Philippines
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2
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Muessig KE, Vecchio AC, Hanshaw BD, Soberano Z, Knudtson KA, Claude KF, Larsen MA, Hightow-Weidman LB. Barriers, Facilitators and Opportunities for HIV Status Disclosure Among Young Men Who Have Sex With Men: Qualitative Findings from the Tough Talks Intervention. AIDS Behav 2024:10.1007/s10461-024-04406-y. [PMID: 38951455 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-024-04406-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024]
Abstract
Disclosing one's HIV status can involve complex individual and interpersonal processes interacting with discriminatory societal norms and institutionalized biases. To support disclosure decision-making among young men who have sex with men (YMSM) living with HIV, we developed Tough Talks™, an mHealth intervention that uses artificially intelligent-facilitated role-playing disclosure scenarios and informational activities that build disclosure skills and self-efficacy. Qualitative interviews were conducted with 30 YMSM living with HIV (mean age 24 years, 50% Black) who were enrolled in a randomized controlled trial assessing Tough Talks™ to understand their experiences with HIV status disclosure. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and thematically coded. Barriers to disclosure focused on fear, anxiety, stigma, and trauma. Facilitators to disclosure are described in the context of these barriers including how participants built comfort and confidence in disclosure decisions and ways the Tough Talks™ intervention helped them. Participants' narratives identified meaning-making within disclosure conversations including opportunities for educating others and advocacy. Findings revealed ongoing challenges to HIV status disclosure among YMSM and a need for clinical providers and others to support disclosure decision-making and affirm individuals' autonomy over their decisions to disclose. Considering disclosure as a process rather than discrete events could inform future intervention approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn E Muessig
- University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Institute of Global Health and Infectious Diseases, Chapel Hill, USA.
- University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Gillings School of Global Public Health Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, USA.
- Florida State University, College of Nursing, Institute on Digital Health and Innovation, Innovation Park, Research Building B, 2010 Levy Ave, RM B3400, Tallahassee, FL, 32306-4310, USA.
| | - Alyssa C Vecchio
- University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Institute of Global Health and Infectious Diseases, Chapel Hill, USA
| | - Brady D Hanshaw
- University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Institute of Global Health and Infectious Diseases, Chapel Hill, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, USA
| | - Zachary Soberano
- University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Institute of Global Health and Infectious Diseases, Chapel Hill, USA
- Florida State University, College of Nursing, Institute on Digital Health and Innovation, Innovation Park, Research Building B, 2010 Levy Ave, RM B3400, Tallahassee, FL, 32306-4310, USA
| | - Kelly A Knudtson
- University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Institute of Global Health and Infectious Diseases, Chapel Hill, USA
| | - Kristina Felder Claude
- University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Institute of Global Health and Infectious Diseases, Chapel Hill, USA
- Florida State University, College of Nursing, Institute on Digital Health and Innovation, Innovation Park, Research Building B, 2010 Levy Ave, RM B3400, Tallahassee, FL, 32306-4310, USA
| | | | - Lisa B Hightow-Weidman
- University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Institute of Global Health and Infectious Diseases, Chapel Hill, USA
- University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Gillings School of Global Public Health Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, USA
- Florida State University, College of Nursing, Institute on Digital Health and Innovation, Innovation Park, Research Building B, 2010 Levy Ave, RM B3400, Tallahassee, FL, 32306-4310, USA
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3
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Shepherd BF, Chang CJ, Dyar C, Brochu PM, Selby EA, Feinstein BA. Out of the Closet, but Not Out of the Woods: The Longitudinal Associations Between Identity Disclosure, Discrimination, and Nonsuicidal Self-Injury Among Sexual Minoritized Young Adults. PSYCHOLOGY OF SEXUAL ORIENTATION AND GENDER DIVERSITY 2024; 11:294-304. [PMID: 39220295 PMCID: PMC11361724 DOI: 10.1037/sgd0000597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Sexual minoritized individuals engage in non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) at higher rates than their heterosexual peers. Disclosing one's sexual minoritized identity can put one at risk for experiencing discrimination, which is linked to greater engagement in NSSI. However, discrimination has yet to be tested as a mechanism linking sexual identity disclosure to NSSI. Understanding how sexual identity disclosure impacts NSSI has the potential to inform interventions to reduce sexual orientation disparities in NSSI. To address this gap, the current study examined sexual orientation-based discrimination as a mediator of the longitudinal association between sexual identity disclosure and NSSI among 792 sexual minoritized young adults. Higher levels of disclosure at baseline were associated with greater likelihood of NSSI at two-month follow-up via greater discrimination at one-month follow-up, even after controlling for baseline levels of depression and demographic characteristics. The indirect effect became non-significant after controlling for previous levels of discrimination and NSSI. Findings provide partial support for the hypothesis that identity disclosure may precede exposure to discrimination and, in turn, engagement in NSSI. However, identity disclosure does not appear to predict acute increases in discrimination. Future research is encouraged to examine these prospective associations with longer intervals between assessments, as the indirect effect of identity disclosure on NSSI via discrimination may continue to accumulate over time. Findings highlight the need to reduce discrimination following sexual identity disclosure through the implementation of equitable and affirmative practices in school, healthcare, and other settings to improve the well-being of sexual minoritized young adults.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Cindy J. Chang
- Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology, Rutgessssssrs University
| | | | - Paula M. Brochu
- Department of Clinical and School Psychology, Nova Southeastern University
| | | | - Brian A. Feinstein
- Department of Psychology, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science
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4
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McCauley PS, Del Farno AJ, Caba AE, Renley BM, Shuler S, Eaton LA, Watson RJ. Stress of being outed to parents, LGBTQ family support, and depressive symptoms among sexual and gender diverse youth. JOURNAL OF RESEARCH ON ADOLESCENCE : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR RESEARCH ON ADOLESCENCE 2024; 34:205-221. [PMID: 38282552 DOI: 10.1111/jora.12912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
Limited scholarship has explored how a lack of agency in identity disclosure (being "outed") to parents is associated with mental health experiences of sexual and gender diverse youth (SGDY). With a national sample of SGDY (N = 9272; 66.8% White non-Hispanic) aged 13-17 (Mage = 15.63, SD = 1.24), this study first compared social position differences between SGDY who were outed to their parents compared to those not outed, and second, investigated how the stress from being outed to parents was associated with LGBTQ family support and depressive symptoms. Results revealed that SGDY who were outed to their parents reported higher levels of depressive symptoms and lower amounts of LGBTQ family support than SGDY who were not outed to their parents. In addition, greater stress from being outed to parents was indirectly associated with higher depressive symptoms through lower LGBTQ family support. These relationships significantly varied across gender identity. Findings highlight the importance of instilling greater agency in disclosure experiences among SGDY.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter S McCauley
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
| | - Alexander J Del Farno
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
| | - Antonia E Caba
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
| | - Benton M Renley
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
| | - Shaylynne Shuler
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
| | - Lisa A Eaton
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
| | - Ryan J Watson
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
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5
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Shamrock OW, Abu-Ba’are GR, Zigah EY, Apreku A, Agbemedu GRK, Boyd DT, Adjaka G, Nelson LE. Family rejection of non-hetero sexuality-Sexual orientation and behavior anonymity among sexual minority men in slum communities-BSGH 001. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 3:e0001659. [PMID: 38039264 PMCID: PMC10691700 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0001659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
It can be challenging for sexual minority men (SMM) to decide whether or not to disclose their sexual orientation or behavior. The implications of this decision are significant, especially when considering how their family might react. We interviewed individuals living in slum communities (n = 12) in Accra and Kumasi, Ghana. Our study found that two factors primarily influenced the decision of SMM to disclose their sexual orientation. Firstly, SMM feared facing harm from their families and, secondly, the close ties of SMM families to religious institutions in their communities, which taught against LGBTQ+ activities in the country. These findings contribute to understanding why SMM in Ghanaian slum communities choose to keep their sexual orientation anonymous. While no single intervention is enough to address the challenges associated with coming out, participants in the study agreed that a social support intervention that provides opportunities to educate and inform their families and community on LGBTQ+ activities could help them assimilate comfortably in their communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Osman Wumpini Shamrock
- School of Nursing, University of Rochester Medical Center, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, United States of America
- Behavioral, Sexual, and Global Health Lab, School of Nursing, University of Rochester Medical Center, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, United States of America
- Behavioral, Sexual and Global Health Lab, Jama’a Action, West Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Gamji Rabiu Abu-Ba’are
- School of Nursing, University of Rochester Medical Center, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, United States of America
- Behavioral, Sexual, and Global Health Lab, School of Nursing, University of Rochester Medical Center, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, United States of America
- Behavioral, Sexual and Global Health Lab, Jama’a Action, West Legon, Accra, Ghana
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Rochester Medical Center, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, United States of America
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS, Yale University School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Edem Yaw Zigah
- Behavioral, Sexual, and Global Health Lab, School of Nursing, University of Rochester Medical Center, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, United States of America
- Behavioral, Sexual and Global Health Lab, Jama’a Action, West Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Amos Apreku
- Behavioral, Sexual and Global Health Lab, Jama’a Action, West Legon, Accra, Ghana
- Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - George Rudolph Kofi Agbemedu
- Behavioral, Sexual, and Global Health Lab, School of Nursing, University of Rochester Medical Center, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, United States of America
- Behavioral, Sexual and Global Health Lab, Jama’a Action, West Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Donte T. Boyd
- College of Social Work, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | | | - LaRon E. Nelson
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS, Yale University School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
- School of Nursing, Yale, Connecticut, United States of America
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6
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Maiorana A, Zamudio-Haas S, Santiago-Rodríguez EI, Sauceda JA, Rodríguez-Díaz CE, Brooks RA, Myers JJ. HIV Disclosure Practices to Family Among Mexican and Puerto Rican Sexual Minority Men with HIV in the Continental USA: Intersections of Sexual Orientation and HIV Stigma. JOURNAL OF HOMOSEXUALITY 2023; 70:1911-1935. [PMID: 35225747 DOI: 10.1080/00918369.2022.2043731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Disclosing a seropositive HIV status still is a complex process of assessing the risks, benefits, and potential personal and interpersonal outcomes associated with disclosure, such as stigma, rejection, or emotional support. We examined HIV disclosure practices to family and intersectional stigma related to HIV and sexual orientation among Latino sexual minority men (LSMM) of Mexican and Puerto Rican origin with HIV in the continental USA. Guided by Framework Analysis, we present data from 54 interviews with 33 LSMM participants in HIV care engagement interventions, and 21 project staff implementing the interventions. LSMM disclosed their HIV status to family seeking support. They applied stigma management techniques to manage the information communicated to family about their HIV status, including selective disclosure to some family members, conveying strategic information about the significance of having HIV, non-disclosure, or partial disclosure, silence and deceptions. LSMM HIV disclosure practices to family encompassed appraisals of intersectional stigma related to their sexual orientation and HIV, assessing the potential outcomes of disclosure, and the preservation of family ties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andres Maiorana
- Department of Prevention Science, University of California at San Francisco, Center for Aids Prevention Studies, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Sophia Zamudio-Haas
- Department of Prevention Science, University of California at San Francisco, Center for Aids Prevention Studies, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Edda I Santiago-Rodríguez
- Department of Prevention Science, University of California at San Francisco, Center for Aids Prevention Studies, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - John A Sauceda
- Department of Prevention Science, University of California at San Francisco, Center for Aids Prevention Studies, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Carlos E Rodríguez-Díaz
- Department of Prevention and Community Health, The George Washington University, Milken Institute School of Public Health, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Ronald A Brooks
- Department of Family Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles, David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Janet J Myers
- Department of Prevention Science, University of California at San Francisco, Center for Aids Prevention Studies, San Francisco, California, USA
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7
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Jia W, Jiao K, Ma J, Liao M, Wang C, Kang D, Lin Y, Yan Y, Li Y, Cheng C, Meng J, Wang L, Yang X, Cao Y, Zhao Z, Wang X, Ma W. HIV infection disclosure, treatment self-efficacy and quality of life in HIV-infected MSM receiving antiretroviral therapy. BMC Infect Dis 2022; 22:937. [PMID: 36514071 PMCID: PMC9749163 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-022-07932-z] [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: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research on the relationship between disclosure of HIV status to male sexual partners (HIV disclosure) and quality of life (QOL) revealed complex and even contradictory results. The impact of HIV disclosure on various domains of QOL and the mediation effect between them are unclear. The purposes of this study were to explore the impact of HIV disclosure on QOL among men who have sex with men (MSM), and whether HIV treatment self-efficacy mediated these relationships. METHODS The data came from a baseline survey on the design of a randomized control trial conducted in Shandong, China. A total of 579 MSM patients were included. SPSS 24.0 was used to conduct independent samples t test, one-way analysis of variance and nonparametric tests and the PROCESS macro was used to conduct mediation analysis. RESULTS Among 579 participants, 16.06% disclosed their HIV infection status to their male sexual partners. The effect of HIV disclosure on QOL was mediated by treatment self-efficacy. Self-efficacy played partial mediating role in social relationships, meaning that HIV disclosure had both direct and indirect effects on this factor. In the overall QOL and domains of physical, psychological, independence, and environment, HIV disclosure had an indirect effect only through self-efficacy and no significant effect on the spirituality domain. CONCLUSIONS The results emphasize the importance of HIV disclosure and self-efficacy on the QOL of MSM patients and suggest that health care providers should assist MSM patients in deciding whether to disclose their HIV status during daily medical services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenwen Jia
- grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 West Wenhua Road, Jinan, 250012 Shandong People’s Republic of China
| | - Kedi Jiao
- grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 West Wenhua Road, Jinan, 250012 Shandong People’s Republic of China
| | - Jing Ma
- grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 West Wenhua Road, Jinan, 250012 Shandong People’s Republic of China
| | - Meizhen Liao
- grid.512751.50000 0004 1791 5397Institution for AIDS/STD Control and Prevention, Shandong Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 16992 Jingshi Road, Jinan, 250014 Shandong People’s Republic of China
| | - Chunmei Wang
- Shandong Public Health Clinical Center, 12 East Martyrs Mountain Road, Jinan, 250132 Shandong People’s Republic of China
| | - Dianmin Kang
- grid.512751.50000 0004 1791 5397Institution for AIDS/STD Control and Prevention, Shandong Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 16992 Jingshi Road, Jinan, 250014 Shandong People’s Republic of China
| | - Yuxi Lin
- grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 West Wenhua Road, Jinan, 250012 Shandong People’s Republic of China
| | - Yu Yan
- grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 West Wenhua Road, Jinan, 250012 Shandong People’s Republic of China
| | - Yijun Li
- grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 West Wenhua Road, Jinan, 250012 Shandong People’s Republic of China
| | - Chunxiao Cheng
- grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 West Wenhua Road, Jinan, 250012 Shandong People’s Republic of China
| | - Jing Meng
- grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 West Wenhua Road, Jinan, 250012 Shandong People’s Republic of China
| | - Lina Wang
- grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 West Wenhua Road, Jinan, 250012 Shandong People’s Republic of China
| | - Xuan Yang
- grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 West Wenhua Road, Jinan, 250012 Shandong People’s Republic of China
| | - Yanwen Cao
- grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 West Wenhua Road, Jinan, 250012 Shandong People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhonghui Zhao
- grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 West Wenhua Road, Jinan, 250012 Shandong People’s Republic of China
| | - Xinting Wang
- grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 West Wenhua Road, Jinan, 250012 Shandong People’s Republic of China
| | - Wei Ma
- grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 West Wenhua Road, Jinan, 250012 Shandong People’s Republic of China
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Brown MJ, Nkwonta CA, James T, Kaur A, Hart MJ, Addo PNO, Adeagbo OA. "Keep It to Yourself": A Qualitative Study of HIV Disclosure Perspectives Among Older Adults Living With HIV in South Carolina Who Are Childhood Sexual Abuse Survivors. J Assoc Nurses AIDS Care 2022; 33:574-580. [PMID: 35878050 PMCID: PMC10178685 DOI: 10.1097/jnc.0000000000000346] [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] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT HIV disclosure is an important consideration for people living with HIV. The prevalence of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) may range from 16% to 22% among older adults living with HIV. There is a dearth of research on HIV disclosure among older CSA survivors. Therefore, the aim of this study was to qualitatively examine HIV disclosure among older CSA survivors living with HIV. Twenty-four CSA survivors living with HIV (aged 50-67 years) participated in in-depth, semistructured interviews. Data were analyzed thematically, and the iterative coding and analytic process included discussion of initial thoughts and key concepts, identification and reconciliation of codes, and naming of emergent themes. Four themes emerged: (a) secrecy/not planning to disclose HIV; (b) disclose HIV regardless; (c) disclose HIV depending on the person; and (d) disclose HIV depending on the circumstance. Lack of disclosure may be due to HIV-related stigma. HIV disclosure intervention programs may be beneficial for this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monique J. Brown
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina
- South Carolina SmartState Center for Healthcare Quality, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina
- Rural and Minority Health Research Center, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina
- Office for the Study on Aging, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina
| | - Chigozie A. Nkwonta
- South Carolina SmartState Center for Healthcare Quality, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina
- Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina
| | - Titilayo James
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina
| | - Amandeep Kaur
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina
| | - Mackenzie J. Hart
- Department of Psychology, College of Arts and Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina
| | - Prince Nii Ossah Addo
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina
| | - Oluwafemi A. Adeagbo
- South Carolina SmartState Center for Healthcare Quality, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina
- Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina
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9
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Wiginton JM, Murray SM, Algarin AB, Baral SD, Sanchez TH, Smith LR. Metrics of sexual behavior stigma among cisgender men who have sex with men in Mexico: exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. BMC Infect Dis 2022; 22:690. [PMID: 35964006 PMCID: PMC9375942 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-022-07672-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cisgender gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM) in Mexico experience disparities in sexual health outcomes, perhaps most notably in HIV prevalence, HIV testing and status awareness, and condom use. Sexual behavior stigma, underpinned by socio-structural factors specific to Mexico (e.g., machismo), uniquely shapes these sexual health disparities. However, few reliable, valid measures are available to document, track, and ultimately mitigate sexual behavior stigma in this context. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were performed on responses to a 13-item sexual behavior stigma scale from 15,681 MSM recruited online across Mexico. Associations with extracted factors were tested to assess construct validity. Three subscales were identified in exploratory factor analysis and validated in confirmatory factor analysis: "stigma from family and friends" (α = 0.65), "anticipated healthcare stigma" (α = 0.84), and "general social stigma" (α = 0.70). External construct validity was indicated through each subscale's strong association (all p < 0.001) with perceived community intolerance of MSM and perceived community discrimination toward people living with HIV. These subscales show promise as reliable, valid measures for assessing sexual behavior stigma among MSM in Mexico, and as tools for documenting and tracking sexual behavior stigma trends, comparing regional burdens of sexual behavior stigma, and tracking the progress of stigma-mitigation interventions among MSM in Mexico. Future research is needed to understand the extent to which each subscale is differentially associated with sexual (and other) health outcomes, which can inform the development and implementation of uniquely tailored stigma-mitigation, HIV-prevention, HIV-care, and other needed interventions for MSM in Mexico.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Mark Wiginton
- School of Social Work, San Diego State University, 5500 Campanile Drive, San Diego, CA, 92182, USA.
- Department of Medicine, University of California-San Diego, San Diego, USA.
| | - Sarah M Murray
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Angel B Algarin
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, University of California San Diego, CA, San Diego, USA
| | - Stefan D Baral
- Center for Public Health & Human Rights, Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Travis H Sanchez
- Department of Epidemiology, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Laramie R Smith
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, University of California San Diego, CA, San Diego, USA
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10
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Stanton AM, Wirtz MR, Perlson JE, Batchelder AW. "It's how we get to know each other": Substance use, connectedness, and sexual activity among men who have sex with men who are living with HIV. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:425. [PMID: 35241029 PMCID: PMC8895830 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-12778-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Among MSM, substance use increases risk for acquiring HIV and is associated with sub-optimal engagement in HIV-related care. Most research related to substance use and sexual activity among MSM focuses on identifying and reducing risk of HIV acquisition and transmission rather than pleasure and agency. However, substance use may also facilitate sexual pleasure and build community, which could be particularly meaningful for individuals who cope with intersecting stigmas related to the disease, sexual identity, and drug use. METHODS To explore the ways in which substance use both promotes and hinders positive sexual expression and healthy sexual relationships, we conducted a secondary analysis of 33 semi-structured qualitative interviews with MSM living with HIV who were poorly engaged in care and reported recent substance use. RESULTS Thematic analysis revealed that substance use was perceived as: (1) a potential pathway to intimacy and enhanced sexual experiences; (2) a tool to help access partners and gain entry to a community; and (3) a source of empowerment, though some noted that it sometimes came at the cost of sexual disempowerment and unbalanced relationships. CONCLUSIONS Clinically, our results suggest that the complex motivations for substance use during sexual activity need to be carefully considered and discussed with patients, especially when attempting to decrease problematic use as a pathway to improved HIV self-care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amelia M Stanton
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Behavioral Medicine, One Bowdoin Square, 7th Floor, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,The Fenway Health Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Megan R Wirtz
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Behavioral Medicine, One Bowdoin Square, 7th Floor, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Jacob E Perlson
- Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - Abigail W Batchelder
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Behavioral Medicine, One Bowdoin Square, 7th Floor, Boston, MA, 02114, USA. .,Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA. .,The Fenway Health Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA, USA.
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Batchelder AW, Burgess C, Perlson J, O’Cleirigh C. Age and Year of HIV Diagnosis are Associated with Perceptions of Discrimination and Internalized Stigma Among Sexual Minority Men Who Use Substances. AIDS Behav 2022; 26:125-137. [PMID: 34117966 PMCID: PMC8665940 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-021-03333-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Discrimination and internalized stigma are barriers to engagement in HIV self-care among men who have sex with men (MSM) living with HIV. However, differences in perceptions of discrimination and internalized stigmas by age, year of HIV-diagnosis, and race are poorly understood. We assessed differences in reported discrimination related to HIV, race, sexual orientation, and substance use and internalized stigmas among 202 MSM living with HIV who use substances. Younger participants reported higher levels of all types of discrimination and internalized stigmas (p-values < 0.001-0.030). Those diagnosed after the advent of antiretrovirals reported higher levels of discrimination related to HIV, sexual orientation, and substance use, as well as internalized stigma related to HIV and substance use (p-values 0.001-0.049). We explored perceived community HIV stigma, which accounted for associations involving age and year of diagnosis. Age, year of diagnosis, and race should be considered when assessing and intervening with stigma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail W. Batchelder
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Behavioral Medicine, Boston, MA,Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA,The Fenway Health Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA,Corresponding Author: Abigail Batchelder, Ph.D., M.P.H., One Bowdoin Square, 7th Floor, Boston, MA 02114; Phone: 617-643-0387; Fax: 617-536-8602;
| | - Claire Burgess
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA,VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA
| | - Jacob Perlson
- The Fenway Health Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA,Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH
| | - Conall O’Cleirigh
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Behavioral Medicine, Boston, MA,Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA,The Fenway Health Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA
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Kalichman SC, Kalichman MO, Eaton LA. Undisclosed HIV Status to Sex Partners and Its Unintended Consequences in the Era of Undetectable = Untransmittable. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2021; 88:149-156. [PMID: 34267054 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000002762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) and sustained HIV suppression virtually eliminate HIV transmission, eg, having an undetectable viral load renders HIV untransmittable (U=U). Owing to the greatly reduced likelihood of HIV transmission when viral load is undetectable, we studied one behavioral ramification of adopting a U=U prevention strategy-not disclosing HIV status to sex partners. SETTING Cisgender men recruited through community outreach in the state of Georgia, USA. METHODS We examined HIV status disclosure to sex partners among 345 young (median age = 29 years) men receiving ART. Data were collected using computerized interviews, daily sexual behavior surveys over 28 days, unannounced pill counts for ART adherence, urine tests for drug use and urogenital health, and blood samples for HIV viral load. RESULTS One in 3 participants (34%) engaged in condomless anal/vaginal intercourse with an HIV-negative/unknown HIV status partner over 28 days. Average ART adherence was 76%, and one in 5 men had detectable HIV viral loads. Men who engaged in condomless sex with undisclosed partners demonstrated significantly less HIV disclosure to family and friends and had fewer enacted stigma experiences. Hierarchical regression models showed that endorsing U=U as a personal HIV prevention strategy predicted undisclosed condomless sex over and above substance use, HIV stigma experiences, disclosure to family and friends, ART adherence, and HIV viral load. CONCLUSIONS Interventions are needed to improve ART adherence and assist men living with HIV in their decisions to disclose HIV status to sex partners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seth C Kalichman
- Institute for Collaboration on Health, Intervention and Policy, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT
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