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Pulerwitz J, Gottert A, Tun W, Eromhonsele AF, Oladimeji PL, Shoyemi E, Akoro M, Ndeloa C, Adedimeji A. Reducing stigma and promoting HIV wellness/mental health of sexual and gender minorities: RCT results from a group-based programme in Nigeria. J Int AIDS Soc 2024; 27:e26256. [PMID: 38837614 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.26256] [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: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION High levels of HIV stigma as well as stigma directed towards sexual and/or gender minorities (SGMs) are well documented in the African setting. These intersecting stigmas impede psychosocial wellbeing and HIV prevention and care. Yet, there are few if any evidence-based interventions that focus on reducing internalized stigma and promoting mental health and HIV wellness for SGMs in Africa. We developed and evaluated a group-based intervention drawing on cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) strategies for men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TGW) at risk for or living with HIV in Lagos, Nigeria. METHODS The intervention comprised four weekly in-person group sessions facilitated by community health workers. We conducted a delayed intervention group randomized controlled trial (April-September 2022), with pre-post surveys plus 3-month follow-up (immediate group only), as well as qualitative research with participants and programme staff. Outcomes included internalized stigma related to SGM and HIV status, depression, resiliency/coping and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP)/HIV treatment use. RESULTS Mean age of the 240 participants was 26 years (range 18-42). Seventy-seven percent self-identified as MSM and 23% TGW; 27% were people with HIV. Most (88%) participants attended all four sessions, and 98% expressed high intervention satisfaction. There was significant pre-post improvement in each psychosocial outcome, in both the immediate and delayed arms. There were further positive changes for the immediate intervention group by 3-month follow-up (e.g. in intersectional internalized stigma, depression). While baseline levels of ever-PrEP use were the same, 75% of immediate-group participants reported currently using PrEP at 3 months post-intervention versus 53% of delayed-group participants right after the intervention (p<0.01). Participants post-intervention described (in qualitative interviews) less self-blame, and enhanced social support and resilience when facing stigma, as well as motivation to use PrEP, and indicated that positive pre-intervention changes in psychosocial factors found in the delayed group mainly reflected perceived support from the study interviewers. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrated the feasibility and acceptability of a group-based CBT model for MSM and TGW in Nigeria. There were also some indications of positive shifts related to stigma, mental health and PrEP, despite issues with maintaining the randomized design in this challenging environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Pulerwitz
- Social and Behavioural Science Research Division, Population Council, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Ann Gottert
- Social and Behavioural Science Research Division, Population Council, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Waimar Tun
- Social and Behavioural Science Research Division, Population Council, Washington, DC, USA
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Kerman J, Brewer R, Hotton A, Flores R, Devlin SA, Friedman EE, Schneider JA, McNulty MC. Multi-Level and Intersectional Stigma Experienced by Black Transgender Women in Chicago: a Qualitative Study to Inform Sociostructural Interventions for Reducing Stigma and Improving Health Outcomes. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities 2023:10.1007/s40615-023-01853-6. [PMID: 37957538 PMCID: PMC11089070 DOI: 10.1007/s40615-023-01853-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stigma contributes to health disparities including increased HIV vulnerability among minority communities. Black transgender women experience multiple forms of stigma (e.g., anticipated, experienced), which can result in poor HIV-related outcomes. We utilized an adapted social ecological model (ASEM) to better understand the levels at which stigma is encountered and its impact on lived experience, particularly related to making healthcare decisions. METHODS Semi-structured interviews and two focus groups (n = 38) were conducted with Black transgender women and Black transfeminine individuals in Chicago from 2016 to 2017. Participants were asked about discrimination in the community, healthcare experiences, and their thoughts and decision-making process with their healthcare provider regarding HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis. We conducted thematic analysis and organized our findings based on the levels of the ASEM: individual, interpersonal, organizational, community, and structural. RESULTS Participants experienced and anticipated stigma at each ASEM level. Stigma was not experienced in isolation: stigma experienced at one level caused anticipated stigma at other levels and internalized stigma leading to negative self-image. In each case, stigma adversely impacted health outcomes (e.g., medication nonadherence, disengagement from care). Stigma within healthcare settings, medication-related stigma, and stigma directed at appearance and identity are particularly detrimental to shared decision-making with a healthcare provider. CONCLUSIONS Recognizing and valuing Black transgender women's experience with stigma are essential for developing social and structural interventions that may work collaboratively across multiple levels of lived experience to reduce stigma and healthcare disparities faced by Black transgender women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jared Kerman
- Chicago Center for HIV Elimination, Chicago, IL, USA
- Section of Infectious Diseases and Global Health, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, 5841 S. Maryland Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Russell Brewer
- Chicago Center for HIV Elimination, Chicago, IL, USA
- Section of Infectious Diseases and Global Health, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, 5841 S. Maryland Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Anna Hotton
- Chicago Center for HIV Elimination, Chicago, IL, USA
- Section of Infectious Diseases and Global Health, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, 5841 S. Maryland Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Rey Flores
- Chicago Center for HIV Elimination, Chicago, IL, USA
- Section of Infectious Diseases and Global Health, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, 5841 S. Maryland Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Samantha A Devlin
- Chicago Center for HIV Elimination, Chicago, IL, USA
- Section of Infectious Diseases and Global Health, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, 5841 S. Maryland Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Eleanor E Friedman
- Chicago Center for HIV Elimination, Chicago, IL, USA
- Section of Infectious Diseases and Global Health, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, 5841 S. Maryland Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - John A Schneider
- Chicago Center for HIV Elimination, Chicago, IL, USA
- Section of Infectious Diseases and Global Health, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, 5841 S. Maryland Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Moira C McNulty
- Chicago Center for HIV Elimination, Chicago, IL, USA.
- Section of Infectious Diseases and Global Health, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, 5841 S. Maryland Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA.
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Puckett JA, Veldhuis CB, Gilbert PA, Anderson-Carpenter KD, Mustanski B, Newcomb ME. Differential associations between enacted and expected stigma with psychological distress, alcohol use, and substance use in transgender and gender diverse people. Drug Alcohol Depend 2023; 248:109921. [PMID: 37245417 PMCID: PMC10439682 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2023.109921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transgender and gender diverse (TGD) people experience high rates of stigma and marginalization that are theorized to exacerbate substance use and psychological distress. However, little research has examined the role of various minority stressors in relation to substance use in TGD populations. METHODS In this sample of 181 TGD individuals in the U.S. who reported substance use or binge drinking over the past month (M age = 25.6; SD = 5.6), we evaluated whether enacted stigma predicted alcohol use, substance use, and psychological distress. RESULTS Participants endorsed a high rate of exposure to enacted stigma over the past 6 months (e.g., 52% had been verbally insulted). Furthermore, 27.8% of the sample was classified as having moderate or higher severity drug use, and 35.4% were classified as having hazardous drinking levels. We found that enacted stigma was significantly related to moderate-high drug use and psychological distress. There were no significant associations between stigma variables and hazardous levels of drinking. Enacted stigma had an indirect effect on psychological distress via increased expectations of stigma. CONCLUSIONS This study adds to the growing literature exploring minority stressors in relation to substance use and mental health. Subsequent research is needed to examine TGD-specific factors that may more fully explain how TGD people cope with enacted stigma or that may influence substance use, particularly alcohol use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae A Puckett
- Michigan State University, Department of Psychology, 316 Physics Road, East Lansing, MI48824, United States.
| | - Cindy B Veldhuis
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Department of Medical Social Sciences and Northwestern Institute for Sexual and Gender Minority Health and Wellbeing, 625 N Michigan Ave Suite 14-061, Chicago, IL60611, United States
| | - Paul A Gilbert
- University of Iowa, Department of Community and Behavioral Health, 145 N. Riverside Drive, N414 CPHB, Iowa City, IA52242, United States
| | | | - Brian Mustanski
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Department of Medical Social Sciences and Northwestern Institute for Sexual and Gender Minority Health and Wellbeing, 625 N Michigan Ave Suite 14-061, Chicago, IL60611, United States
| | - Michael E Newcomb
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Department of Medical Social Sciences and Northwestern Institute for Sexual and Gender Minority Health and Wellbeing, 625 N Michigan Ave Suite 14-061, Chicago, IL60611, United States
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Klein A, Golub SA. Ethical HIV research with transgender and non-binary communities in the United States. J Int AIDS Soc 2022; 25 Suppl 5:e25971. [PMID: 36225134 PMCID: PMC9557013 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Because transgender individuals experience disproportionately high rates of HIV infection, this population is an increasing focus of epidemiological and implementation science research to combat the epidemic. However, study participants, providers and other advocates have become increasingly concerned about research practices that may alienate, objectify, exploit or even re-traumatize the communities they are designed to benefit. This commentary explores the common pitfalls of HIV research with transgender communities and provides a potential framework for ethical, community-engaged research practice. DISCUSSION We review some of the critical challenges to HIV research with transgender and non-binary communities that limit the potential for such studies to improve practice. For example, scales that measure stigma perceptions/experiences often include activating language, while the consistent focus in research on risk and trauma can often feel judgemental and redundant. Because of limited employment opportunities, some participants may feel undue influence by research stipends; others may perceive their participation as fuelling the larger research economy without providing research jobs to community members. Questions remain regarding optimal strategies for authentic research partnership beyond community advisory boards or focus groups. Transgender and non-binary researchers are under-represented and may be tokenized. Many demonstration projects provide much-needed services that disappear when the research funding is over, and community-based dissemination efforts are often perceived as "too little, too late" to effect change. CONCLUSIONS Based on this review and input from study participants across the United States, we detail six recommendations for ethical HIV research with transgender and non-binary communities, including (1) equitable budgeting with community-based programme partners; (2) representation in the development of both research agenda and methods; (3) integration of research activities into the ongoing work of any clinical or service site, so that individuals' needs as "clients" can continue to be prioritized over their role as "participants;" (4) mindfully considered compensation that values the contributions of community members, but avoids undue influence; (5) transparent, community-focused and timely communication at every stage of the study, including research purpose, data usage, preliminary findings and full-scale results; and (6) planning for sustainability of any programme or services beyond the life of the research project.
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Affiliation(s)
- Augustus Klein
- Hunter Alliance for Research and TranslationHunter CollegeNew York CityNew YorkUSA
| | - Sarit A. Golub
- Hunter Alliance for Research and TranslationHunter CollegeNew York CityNew YorkUSA,Department of PsychologyHunter CollegeNew York CityNew YorkUSA,Department of Basic and Applied Social PsychologyThe Graduate Center of the City University of New YorkNew York CityNew YorkUSA
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White BP, Abuelezam NN, Fontenot HB, Jurgens CY. Exploring Relationships Between State-Level LGBTQ Inclusivity and BRFSS Indicators of Mental Health and Risk Behaviors: A Secondary Analysis. J Am Psychiatr Nurses Assoc 2022; 29:224-231. [PMID: 36113408 DOI: 10.1177/10783903211007900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Minority Stress Theory suggests that repeated exposure to enacted stigma adversely affects mental health. States have wide authority to enact policies affecting the level of inclusivity experienced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning (LGBTQ) residents. The purpose of this study was to explore relationships between states' level of LGBTQ inclusivity and indicators of mental health/risk behaviors among an LGBTQ sample. METHODS The 2018 Human Rights Campaign State Equality Index (SEI) and the 2018 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey (BRFSS) were used to examine relationships between states' levels of LGBTQ inclusivity (predictor variable) and indicators of mental health/risk behaviors (outcome variables). Relationships were explored using descriptive statistics and survey-weighted logistic regression. RESULTS Lower state inclusivity increased odds of fair/poor general health (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 1.22, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01-1.48), increased odds of poor mental health days (AOR: 1.34, 95% CI: 1.11-1.62), increased odds of smoking (AOR: 1.62, 95% CI: 1.27-2.07), and increased odds of heavy drinking (AOR: 1.54, 95% CI: 1.26-1.86) and binge drinking (AOR: 1.23, 95% CI: 1.01-1.49). State inclusivity did not influence odds of a depressive disorder diagnosis or driving under the influence of alcohol. CONCLUSIONS LGBTQ persons in restrictive states had increased odds of experiencing several indicators of mental health and risk behaviors. More research is needed to determine whether state policies affect other domains of LGBTQ persons' health. Health care providers should be mindful of LGBTQ persons' mental health/risk behaviors and the state policy environment, and should seek to implement mitigating health care strategies such as the use of validated assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Holly B Fontenot
- Holly B. Fontenot, PhD, APRN, WHNP-BC, FAAN, FNAP, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Corrine Y Jurgens
- Corrine Y. Jurgens, PhD, RN, ANP, FAHA, FHFSA, FAAN, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, USA
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Catelan RF, Saadeh A, Lobato MIR, Gagliotti DAM, Costa AB. Condom-Protected Sex and Minority Stress: Associations with Condom Negotiation Self-Efficacy, "Passing" Concerns, and Experiences with Misgendering among Transgender Men and Women in Brazil. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:4850. [PMID: 34062814 PMCID: PMC8125181 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18094850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
This cross-sectional exploratory study aims to verify associations between condom-protected sex, condom negotiation self-efficacy, self-esteem, and four minority stressors (experiences with misgendering, "passing" concerns, anticipated prejudice, and perceived prejudice) among transgender men (TM) and transgender women (TW). 260 individuals (192 TW and 68 TM) residing in two Brazilian states participated in the study. Data was collected online and in two hospital programs for transgender people and included sociodemographic data, condom-protected sex, the Trans-Specific Condom/Barrier Negotiation Self-Efficacy (T-Barrier) Scale, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and four minority stressors. Measures that were significantly associated with condom-protected sex were tested as independent variables in a linear regression model. The main results suggest that lower condom negotiation self-efficacy, higher "passing" concerns, and higher experiences with misgendering were predictors of lower frequency of condom-protected sex. These negative outcomes were found among both TM and TW, which justifies their inclusion in public health policies. Structural strategies and clinical interventions are suggested to address condom negotiation self-efficacy and "passing" concerns in transgender populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramiro Figueiredo Catelan
- Psychology Graduate Program, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90619-900, Brazil;
- Institute of Psychiatry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 22290-140, Brazil
| | - Alexandre Saadeh
- Department of Psychology, Pontifical Catholic University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05014-901, Brazil;
- Faculty of Medicine Clinics Hospital, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05403-000, Brazil;
| | | | | | - Angelo Brandelli Costa
- Psychology Graduate Program, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90619-900, Brazil;
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