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Metcalfe KB, Cormier LA, Lacroix PJ, O'Sullivan LF. "I Was Worshiped and in Control": Sugar Arrangements Involving Transactional Sex from the Perspective of Both Sugar Babies and Sugar Benefactors. JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2024; 61:1013-1025. [PMID: 38127788 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2023.2293888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Sugar dating arrangements involve an older partner ("sugar daddy/mommy") who provides financial support to a younger partner ("sugar baby") in exchange for intimacy. The current study recruited a U.S. and Canadian sample of sugar babies (n = 45) and sugar benefactors (n = 32) through social media sources to survey them about perceived power in their sugar arrangement, gender roles, and stigma. Sugar benefactors did not differ in perceived power from sugar babies, nor in endorsement of traditional gender roles or stigma. Directed content analysis analyzing open-ended responses about associated outcomes indicated that both partners placed strong emphasis on companionship despite the importance of sex within arrangements. Sugar babies reported that money drives participation, although arrangements fulfill other needs, such as pleasure. Other benefits include having an arrangement with clear boundaries and expectations. Disadvantages include concerns for safety, that being physical safety for babies, and reputation and being used for money for daddies. Notably, both groups perceived sugar babies as having equal or more power than sugar benefactors, although this was often attributed to sugar babies' attractiveness and youth. Findings include insights from both babies and benefactors, and support perspectives that sugar dating is distinct from traditional sex work.
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Murray SM, Wiginton JM, Xue QL, Dibble K, Sanchez T, Kane JC, Augustinavicius J, Nowak RG, Crowell TA, Njindam IM, Tamoufe U, Charurat M, Turpin G, Sithole B, Mothopeng T, Nemande S, Simplice A, Kouanda S, Diouf D, Lyons C, Baral S. Measuring sexual behavior stigma among cisgender men who have sex with men: an assessment of cross-country measurement invariance. STIGMA AND HEALTH 2024; 9:349-361. [PMID: 39185350 PMCID: PMC11343079 DOI: 10.1037/sah0000443] [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] [Indexed: 08/27/2024]
Abstract
Objectives Globally, cisgender men who have sex with men experience sexual stigma, but limited investigation of cross-population scale performance hinder comparisons. As measurement invariance is a necessary but seldom-established criterion of valid cross-cultural comparisons, we assessed invariance in scales of stigma related to sexual behavior across 9 countries. Methods This secondary analysis used data collected from adult (mean age=29.6, standard deviation=12.5) cisgender men who have sex with men (n=8,669) in studies from 6 West African, 2 Southern African, and 1 North American country from 2012-2016. A common item set assessed 2 sexual behavior stigma domains. A sequential process was used to test the factor structure and measurement invariance, which included multigroup confirmatory factor analyses (CFA). Individual countries, items, living with HIV, and disclosure were explored as possible sources of noninvariance. Results Goodness-of-fit statistics indicated adequate fit of the same 2-factor model in 7 of the 9 countries. The chi2 difference test comparing a constrained and unconstrained 7-country model in which loadings and thresholds were freely estimated was significant (p<0.001), indicating metric and scalar noninvariance, but removing the US provided evidence of invariance and freeing certain items led to a finding of partial invariance. Sexuality disclosure exhibited a direct relationship with select stigma items in several countries. Conclusions Our findings point to the utility of the two stigma scale dimensions in making cross-country comparisons, but also to the necessity of assessing invariance with explicit attention to several factors including differential disclosure of sexuality across contexts to ensure valid comparisons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah M. Murray
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - John Mark Wiginton
- School of Social Work, San Diego State University; Department of Medicine, University of California-San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Qian Li Xue
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kate Dibble
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Travis Sanchez
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Jeremy C. Kane
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY
| | - Jura Augustinavicius
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Rebecca G. Nowak
- Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Trevor A. Crowell
- U.S. Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, USA
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | | | | | - Man Charurat
- Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- Center for International Health Education and Biosecurity, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Gnilane Turpin
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Seni Kouanda
- Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
- Institut Africain de Santé Publique, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | | | - Carrie Lyons
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Stefan Baral
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Galárraga O, Wilson-Barthes M, Chivardi C, Gras-Allain N, Alarid-Escudero F, Gandhi M, Mayer KH, Operario D. Incentivizing adherence to pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV prevention: a randomized pilot trial among male sex workers in Mexico. THE EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF HEALTH ECONOMICS : HEPAC : HEALTH ECONOMICS IN PREVENTION AND CARE 2024:10.1007/s10198-024-01705-y. [PMID: 39002005 DOI: 10.1007/s10198-024-01705-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/15/2024]
Abstract
Low adherence to preventative medications against life-long health conditions is a major contributor to global morbidity and mortality. We implemented a pilot randomized controlled trial in Mexico to measure the extent to which conditional economic incentives help male sex workers increase their adherence to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention. We followed n = 110 male sex workers over 6 months. At each quarterly visit (at months 0, 3, and 6), all workers received a $10 transport reimbursement, a free 3-month PrEP supply, and completed socio-behavioral surveys. The primary outcome was an objective biomarker of medication adherence based on tenofovir (TFV) drug concentration levels in hair collected at each visit. Individuals randomized to the intervention received incentives based on a grading system as a function of PrEP adherence: those with high (> 0.043 ng/mg TFV concentration), medium (0.011 to 0.042 ng/mg), or low (< 0.011 ng/mg) adherence received $20, $10, or $0, respectively. Six-month pooled effects of incentives on PrEP adherence were analyzed using population-averaged gamma generalized estimating equation models. We estimated heterogeneous treatment effects by sex worker characteristics. The incentive intervention led to a 28.7% increase in hair antiretroviral concentration levels over 6 months consistent with increased PrEP adherence (p = 0.05). The effect of incentives on PrEP adherence was greater for male sex workers who were street-based (vs. internet) workers (p < 0.10). These pilot findings suggest that modest conditional economic incentives could be effective, at scale, for improving PrEP adherence among male sex workers, and should be tested in larger implementation trials. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03674983.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omar Galárraga
- Department of Health Services Policy and Practice, Brown University School of Public Health, 121 South Main St. Box G-S121-2, Providence, RI, 02903, USA.
- International Health Institute, Brown University School of Public Health, 121 South Main St, Providence, RI, 02903, USA.
| | - Marta Wilson-Barthes
- International Health Institute, Brown University School of Public Health, 121 South Main St, Providence, RI, 02903, USA
| | - Carlos Chivardi
- National Institute of Public Health (INSP), University No. 655 Colonia Santa María Ahuacatitlán, Cuernavaca, Mexico
- Centre for Health Economics, University of York, Heslington, York, YO10 5DD, United Kingdom
| | - Nathalie Gras-Allain
- Center for HIV/AIDS Prevention and Care, Clínica Especializada Condesa, Gral. Benjamín Hill 24, Hipódromo Condesa Cuauhtémoc, México City, 06170, Mexico
| | - Fernando Alarid-Escudero
- Center for Economics Teaching and Research (CIDE), Circuito Tecnopolo Norte #117, Col. Tecnopolo Pocitos II, Aguascalientes, CP, 20313, Mexico
- Stanford University School of Medicine, 291 Campus Drive Li Ka Shing Building, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Monica Gandhi
- University of California, 1001 Potrero Ave, #423D, San Francisco, CA, 94110, USA
| | - Kenneth H Mayer
- The Fenway Institute, 7 Haviland St, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 677 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Don Operario
- Emory University, 1518 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
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Katumba KR, Haumba M, Mayanja Y, Machira YW, Gafos M, Quaife M, Seeley J, Greco G. Understanding the contexts in which female sex workers sell sex in Kampala, Uganda: a qualitative study. BMC Womens Health 2024; 24:371. [PMID: 38918714 PMCID: PMC11202390 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-024-03216-7] [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: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Structural, interpersonal and individual level factors can present barriers for HIV prevention behaviour among people at high risk of HIV acquisition, including women who sell sex. In this paper we document the contexts in which women selling sex in Kampala meet and provide services to their clients. METHODS We collected qualitative data using semi-structured interviews. Women were eligible to participate if they were 18 years or older, self-identified as sex workers or offered sex for money and spoke Luganda or English. Ten women who met clients in venues and outdoor locations were selected randomly from a clinic for women at high risk of HIV acquisition. Ten other women who met clients online were recruited using snowball sampling. Interviews included demographic data, and themes included reasons for joining and leaving sex work, work locations, nature of relationships with clients and peers, interaction with authorities, regulations on sex work, and reported stigma. We conducted interviews over three months. Data were analysed thematically using a framework analysis approach. The coding framework was based on structural factors identified from literature, but also modified inductively with themes arising from the interviews. RESULTS Women met clients in physical and virtual spaces. Physical spaces included venues and outdoor locations, and virtual spaces were online platforms like social media applications and websites. Of the 20 women included, 12 used online platforms to meet clients. Generally, women from the clinic sample were less educated and predominantly unmarried, while those from the snowball sample had more education, had professional jobs, or were university students. Women from both samples reported experiences of stigma, violence from clients and authorities, and challenges accessing health care services due to the illegality of sex work. Even though all participants worked in settings where sex work was illegal and consequently endured harsh treatment, those from the snowball sample faced additional threats of cybersecurity attacks, extortion from clients, and high levels of violence from clients. CONCLUSIONS To reduce risk of HIV acquisition among women who sell sex, researchers and implementers should consider these differences in contexts, challenges, and risks to design innovative interventions and programs that reach and include all women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth Roger Katumba
- MRC/UVRI & LSHTM Uganda Research Unit, Plot 51-59 Nakiwogo Road, P.O. Box 49, Entebbe, Uganda.
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK.
| | - Mercy Haumba
- MRC/UVRI & LSHTM Uganda Research Unit, Plot 51-59 Nakiwogo Road, P.O. Box 49, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Yunia Mayanja
- MRC/UVRI & LSHTM Uganda Research Unit, Plot 51-59 Nakiwogo Road, P.O. Box 49, Entebbe, Uganda
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | | | - Mitzy Gafos
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Matthew Quaife
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Janet Seeley
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Giulia Greco
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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Aggarwal A, Qiao S, O'Leary SD, Schlekat KN, Li X. Measurement Instruments Assessing Multi-Faceted Stigma Regarding Sexual and Gender Minorities: A Systematic Review of Psychometric Properties. AIDS Behav 2024; 28:2054-2077. [PMID: 38441698 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-024-04305-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
Stigma against sexual and gender minorities (SGM) populations has serious negative health effects for SGM populations. Despite the growing need for accurate stigma measurement in SGM, there are insufficient valid measurement instruments. Moreover, the lack of consistency in construct usage makes comparisons across studies particularly challenging. A critical review and comparative evaluation of the psychometric properties of the various stigma measures for SGM is necessary to advance our understanding regarding stigma measurement against/among SGMs. Based on the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines, a comprehensive search was conducted in 4 bibliographic databases (MEDLINE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Web of Science) for empirical articles published from 2010 to 2022 that evaluated the psychometrics properties of measurement instruments assessing stigma against SGMs. The screening, extraction, and scoring of the psychometric properties and methodological quality of selected instruments were performed by following the established standards and COSMIN (Consensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement Instruments) checklist, respectively. Of the 2031 studies identified, 19 studies were included that reported psychometric properties of 17 measurement instruments. All instruments, except two, were developed for SGMs (n = 15/17). Most instruments included men who have sex with men (MSM) or gay men (n = 11/15), whereas less than half of the instruments assessed stigma among SGM women (n = 6/15). Internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha) and content validity was reported for all instruments (n = 17); construct and structural validity was also reported for majority of the instruments (n = 15 and 10, respectively). However, test-retest reliability and criterion validity was reported for very few instruments (n = 5 each). Based on the COSMIN checklist, we identified the most psychometrically and methodologically robust instruments for each of the five stigma types: combined stigma, enacted stigma, internalized stigma, intersectional stigma, and perceived stigma. For each stigma type, except anticipated stigma, at least one instrument demonstrated strong promise for use in empirical research; however, the selection of instrument depends on the target population and context of the study. Findings indicated a growing use of instruments assessing multiple stigma types. Future studies need to develop intersectional stigma instruments that account for the multiple and intersecting social identities of SGMs. Additionally, most existing instruments would benefit from further psychometric testing, especially on test-retest reliability, criterion validity, adaptability to different LGBTQIA + populations and cultures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhishek Aggarwal
- Department of Health Promotion, Education and Behavior, University of South Carolina, Columbia, USA
| | - Shan Qiao
- Department of Health Promotion, Education and Behavior, University of South Carolina, Columbia, USA.
| | - Shannon D O'Leary
- College of Arts and Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, USA
| | - Katrina N Schlekat
- Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina Honors College, Columbia, USA
| | - Xiaoming Li
- Department of Health Promotion, Education and Behavior, University of South Carolina, Columbia, USA
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Hackathorn J, Hodges J, Jones S, Hashim S. The guilt that guides me: religiosity, sex guilt, and the demonization of sex workers. THE JOURNAL OF SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY 2024; 164:319-335. [PMID: 35608021 DOI: 10.1080/00224545.2022.2080037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Religiosity and sex-related attitudes are often correlated, and on occasion negatively. That is, as religiosity increases, sexual attitudes tend to become more conservative or generally more disapproving in valence. Recent research suggests that one's own sex guilt may be the mediating influence in this relationship. A series of two studies sought to extend that research and examine the extent to which an individual's religiosity and sex guilt influences their perspective of pornography and sex workers. A survey containing relevant measures was distributed to undergraduate participants as well as individuals from Amazon.com's MTurk. Results indicate that individuals high in religiosity have more negative views of pornography in general, and more demonizing views toward sex workers. However, it was their own sex guilt that mediated that relationship. This study replicates and adds to our current understanding of how religiosity and disparaging views of sex are related, but also shows the importance of including sex guilt as an influential individual difference.
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Alvey B, Stone J, Salyuk T, Barzilay EJ, Doan I, Vickerman P, Trickey A. Associations Between Sexual Behavior Stigma and HIV Risk Behaviors, Testing, Treatment, and Infection Among Men Who have Sex with Men in Ukraine. AIDS Behav 2024; 28:786-798. [PMID: 37792231 PMCID: PMC10896872 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-023-04182-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
Stigma toward same-sex behaviors may be a structural driver of HIV epidemics among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Eastern Europe and has been linked to adverse HIV-outcomes elsewhere. We explored associations between sexual behavior stigma with HIV risk behaviors, testing, treatment, and infection. From November 2017 to February 2018, MSM across 27 Ukrainian cities were recruited to cross-sectional surveys using respondent driven sampling. Eligible participants were cisgender males aged ≥ 14 years residing in participating cities that reported ≥ 1 sexual contact with another man in the prior 6 months. Participants self-reported experience of stigma (ever) and various HIV-outcomes and were tested for HIV antibodies. Regression models were used to explore associations between three sexual behavior stigma variables with demographic and HIV-related variables. Of 5812 recruited cisgender MSM, 5544 (95.4%) were included. 1663 (30.0%) MSM reported having experienced stigma due to being MSM from family and friends, 698 (12.6%) reported anticipated healthcare stigma, and 1805 (32.6%) reported general public/social stigma due to being MSM (enacted). All forms of stigma were associated with heightened HIV risk behaviors; those experiencing stigma (vs not) had more anal sex partners in the prior month and were less likely to have used condoms during their last anal intercourse. Stigma was not associated with HIV infection, testing, or treatment variables. A sizeable proportion of Ukrainian MSM reported ever experiencing stigma due to being MSM. MSM that had experienced stigma had higher odds of HIV sexual risk behaviors. Further study using longitudinal designs is required to determine causality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben Alvey
- Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Jack Stone
- Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Health Protection Research Unit in Behavioural Science and Evaluation at University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | | | | | - Ivan Doan
- Centers for Disease Control, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Peter Vickerman
- Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Health Protection Research Unit in Behavioural Science and Evaluation at University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Adam Trickey
- Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.
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8
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Biello KB, Chan PA, Ndoye CD, Nelson L, Nelson E, Silva V, Kwak E, Napoleon S, Cormack Orellana C, Richards OG, Davis E, Mimiaga MJ. Study protocol of a randomized controlled trial to assess the efficacy of the "PrEPare for Work" intervention to enhance PrEP uptake and optimize adherence for HIV prevention among male sex workers in the U.S. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:424. [PMID: 38336731 PMCID: PMC10858584 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-17710-y] [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: 11/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Male sex workers (MSWs), specifically cisgender men who exchange sex for money, goods, drugs, or other items of value with other cisgender men, are at high risk for HIV infection. Compared to men not engaged in sex work, MSWs are more likely to engage in frequent condomless sex with paying and non-paying sexual partners. While MSWs are often included as a subgroup of gay and bisexual men, data show that a large proportion identify as heterosexual; additionally, most MSWs do not identify as "sex workers." This places MSWs in a unique position where they may not engage with traditional HIV prevention programs, and when they do, they may not feel comfortable, leading to poor retention. Thus, HIV prevention interventions that address MSWs' unique life circumstances and provide support in exploring their sexual health options are needed. METHODS In this protocol paper, we describe the design and procedures for a National Institute of Health-funded, randomized controlled trial testing the efficacy of "PrEPare for Work,"- a theory-based, manualized PrEP uptake and adherence intervention for MSW - using a 2-stage randomization design. Stage 1: MSWs are equally randomized to receive either the "PrEPare for Work Stage 1 intervention" (strength-based case management and facilitated PrEP linkage) or Standard of Care (SOC) to evaluate successful PrEP uptake (prescription filled) within two months post-randomization. Stage 2: Those who initiate PrEP are then equally re-randomized to receive either the "PrEPare for Work Stage 2 intervention" (1-on-1 skills training, problem-solving, and motivational interviewing adherence counseling and personalized, daily text message reminders) or SOC to assess adherence (Tenofovir concentrations in hair) over 12 months of follow up. Planned analyses will examine intervention efficacy, specific conceptual mediators, and hypothesized moderators. DISCUSSION Based on our extensive preliminary research, multi-component, theory-informed interventions targeting this subpopulation of MSWs' unique life circumstances are urgently needed. In this study, we are evaluating whether "PrEPare for Work" can improve PrEP uptake and adherence among MSWs. If this intervention is efficacious, it would be readily disseminated to diverse community organizations that serve MSWs and possibly other community or clinic-based settings. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov number NCT05736614, registered February 8, 2023.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie B Biello
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, 121 South Main Street, Providence, RI, 02912, USA.
- Center for Health Promotion and Health Equity Research, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, USA.
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, USA.
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, 121 South Main Street, Providence, RI, 02912, USA.
| | - Philip A Chan
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, 121 South Main Street, Providence, RI, 02912, USA
- Department of Medicine, Brown University, Providence, USA
- Open Door Health, Rhode Island Public Health Institute, Providence, USA
| | - Colleen D Ndoye
- Project Weber/RENEW, 121 South Main Street, Providence, RI, 02912, USA
| | - Lance Nelson
- Center for Health Promotion and Health Equity Research, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, USA
| | - Elizabeth Nelson
- UCLA Center for LGBTQ+ Advocacy, Research & Health, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Vanessa Silva
- Center for Health Promotion and Health Equity Research, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, USA
| | - Eun Kwak
- UCLA Center for LGBTQ+ Advocacy, Research & Health, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Siena Napoleon
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, 121 South Main Street, Providence, RI, 02912, USA
| | | | - Olly G Richards
- Center for Health Promotion and Health Equity Research, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, USA
| | - Evan Davis
- Center for Health Promotion and Health Equity Research, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, USA
| | - Matthew J Mimiaga
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry & Biobehavioral Sciences, UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- UCLA Center for LGBTQ+ Advocacy, Research & Health, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Avallone F, Engler K, Cox J, Hickson F, Lebouché B. Interventions, Barriers, and Facilitators to Address the Sexual Problems of Gay, Bisexual and Other Men Who Have Sex with Men Living with HIV: A Rapid Scoping Review. AIDS Behav 2024; 28:450-472. [PMID: 38296920 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-023-04237-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
Sexual problems are common among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBM) after diagnosis with HIV. However, these are often overlooked in care and research, where sexual risk reduction and biomedical aspects of sexual health tend to dominate. We conducted a rapid scoping review to investigate which sexual problems of GBM living with HIV are addressed by interventions, and the barriers and facilitators to their implementation. Literature from high-income countries published in English since 2010 was reviewed. Medline, Embase, PsycInfo, and Scopus databases were searched on July 4, 2022. Targeted sexual problems were categorized according to the ten dimensions of Robinson's Sexual Health Model, and barriers and facilitators, according to the five domains of the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). Interventions focused solely on the dimension of Sexual Health Care/Safer Sex were excluded. Relevant information was extracted from the qualifying documents with NVivo 12 software for content analysis. Fifty-two documents were included, referring to 37 interventions which mainly took place in the United States (n = 29/37; 78%), were group-based (n = 16; 41%), and used counselling techniques (n = 23; 62%; e.g., motivational interviewing, cognitive-behavioral therapy). Their settings were mostly primary care (n = 15; 40%) or community-based (n = 16; 43%). On average, interventions addressed three sexual health dimensions (SD = 2; range: 1-10). The most targeted dimension was Sexual Health Care/Safer Sex (n = 26; 70%), which concerned sexual risk reduction. Next, Challenges (n = 23; 62%), included substance use (n = 7; 19%), sexual compulsivity (n = 6; 16%), sexual abuse (n = 6; 16%), and intimate partner violence (n = 4; 11%). Third was Talking About Sex (n = 22; 59%) which mostly concerned HIV disclosure. About a third of interventions addressed Culture/Sexual identity (n = 14; 38%), Intimacy/Relationships (n = 12; 33%), and Positive sexuality (n = 11; 30%). Finally, few targeted Body Image (n = 4; 11%), Spirituality (n = 3; 8%), Sexual Anatomy Functioning (n = 2; 5%) or Masturbation/Fantasy (n = 1; 3%). Forty-one documents (79%) mentioned implementation barriers or facilitators, particularly about the characteristics of the interventions (41% and 78%, respectively; e.g., cost, excessive duration, acceptability, feasibility) and of the individuals involved (37% and 46%; e.g., perceived stigmatization, provider expertise). The other three CFIR dimensions were less common (5%-17%). The search strategy of this review may not have captured all eligible documents, due to its limit to English-language publications. Overall, most interventions incorporated a focus on Sexual Health Care/Safer Sex, at the expenses of other prevalent sexual problems among GBM living with HIV, such as intimate partner violence (Challenges), erectile dysfunction (Sexual Anatomy Functioning), and Body Image dissatisfaction. These findings suggest they could receive more attention within clinical care and at the community level. They also highlight the importance of cost-effective and acceptable interventions conducted in non-stigmatizing environments, where patients' needs can be met by providers who are adequately trained on sexuality-related topics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Avallone
- Center for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Research Institute, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Family Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Kim Engler
- Center for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Research Institute, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Joseph Cox
- Center for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Research Institute, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Chronic Viral Illness Service, Royal Victoria Hospital, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Population and Global Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Ford Hickson
- Department of Public Health, Environments & Society, Faculty of Public Health & Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Bertrand Lebouché
- Center for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Research Institute, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada.
- Department of Family Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.
- Chronic Viral Illness Service, Royal Victoria Hospital, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada.
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Terol-Cantero MC, Martin-Aragón Gelabert M, Vázquez Rodríguez C, Velikova Dimitrova M, Navarro Ríos MJ, Manchón López J. APPS-S: A Tool for Measuring the Attitudes Toward Prostitution and Women in Prostitution in the Spanish Population. Violence Against Women 2024:10778012231220380. [PMID: 38179658 DOI: 10.1177/10778012231220380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
This study was designed with the purpose of testing the psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the Attitudes toward Prostitution and Prostitutes Scale through three studies with different samples. The first one explores the test's dimensional structure or constructs validity through confirmatory factor analysis, as well as internal consistency and test-retest reliability. The second one focuses on discriminant and criteria validity. Finally, the third one examines the scale's convergent validity and its sensitivity to detecting changes. The results support two subscales with an optimal index of internal consistency, structural stability over time, and discriminative power between groups of participants. It is, therefore, an adequate tool for adults as well as young people and teenagers, and for detecting changes in the context of intervention or awareness workshops.
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Affiliation(s)
- M C Terol-Cantero
- Department of Behavioural Sciences and Health, Miguel Hernández University, Alicante, Spain
| | | | - C Vázquez Rodríguez
- Department of Behavioural Sciences and Health, Miguel Hernández University, Alicante, Spain
| | - M Velikova Dimitrova
- Department of Behavioural Sciences and Health, Miguel Hernández University, Alicante, Spain
| | - M J Navarro Ríos
- Department of Behavioural Sciences and Health, Miguel Hernández University, Alicante, Spain
| | - J Manchón López
- Department of Behavioural Sciences and Health, Miguel Hernández University, Alicante, Spain
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11
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Dibble KE, Murray SM, Baral SD, Zlotorzynska M, Wiginton JM, Stephenson R, Edwards OW, Lyons C, Rainey JC, Xue QL, Sanchez TH. Predicting salivary cortisol and sexual behavior stigma among MSM in the American Men's Internet Survey 2019. Sci Rep 2023; 13:18082. [PMID: 37872353 PMCID: PMC10593931 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-44876-z] [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: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Physiological stress levels in response to sexual behavior stigma among men who have sex with men (MSM) in the United States (US) are understudied. The current study aims to explore the relationship between sexual behavior stigma and salivary cortisol both overall and stratified by race/ethnicity. If such an association exists, it may suggest that sexual behavior stigma can be physiologically measured or indicated by the presence of heightened salivary cortisol. A subsample of 667 MSM participants from the 2019 American Men's Internet Survey (AMIS; N = 10,129) submitted morning (AM) and evening (PM) saliva cortisol samples using at-home mail-in collection kits. Average daily cortisol and daily cortisol change were calculated; simple linear regressions estimated associations between cortisol measures and sexual behavior stigma characterized in four different ways (ever and recent experience of individual stigma items; average ever and recent experience of three stigma scales: stigma from family and friends, anticipated healthcare stigma, general social stigma). Participants reported a mean age of 36.0 years (SD = 14.9), with most being non-Hispanic white (n = 480, 72.0%), Hispanic (n = 164, 12.3%), or Black/African American (n = 146, 10.9%), and identified as homosexual/gay (n = 562, 84.3%). Reporting ever experiencing healthcare providers gossiping was significantly associated with higher PM cortisol (β = 0.12, p = 0.001) and higher average daily cortisol (β = 0.11, p = 0.004), while reporting ever experiencing police refusing to protect was associated with higher AM cortisol (β = 0.08, p = 0.03) and higher average daily cortisol (β = 0.09, p = 0.02). Recent experiences of stigma were not significant predictors of any measure of cortisol. Measures of salivary cortisol may be used to characterize sexual behavior stigma among MSM populations, however more insight is needed to determine its exact relationship and strength.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate E Dibble
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Room E6133, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
| | - Sarah M Murray
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Stefan D Baral
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Room E6133, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Maria Zlotorzynska
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - John Mark Wiginton
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Rob Stephenson
- Department of Systems, Populations, and Leadership, School of Nursing, and The Center for Sexuality and Health Disparities, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - O Winslow Edwards
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Carrie Lyons
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Jacob C Rainey
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Qian-Li Xue
- Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Travis H Sanchez
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
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12
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Brown CA, Siegler AJ, Zahn RJ, Valencia RK, Sanchez T, Kramer MR, Phaswana-Mafuya NR, Stephenson R, Bekker LG, Baral SD, Sullivan PS. Assessing the association of stigma and HIV service and prevention uptake among men who have sex with men and transgender women in South Africa. AIDS Care 2023; 35:1497-1507. [PMID: 36755403 PMCID: PMC10406969 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2023.2175770] [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: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/22/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
HIV prevention for gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) and transgender women (TGW) is critical to reducing health disparities and population HIV prevalence. To understand if different types of stigma impact engagement with HIV prevention services, we assessed associations between stigmas and use of HIV prevention services offered through an HIV prevention intervention. This analysis included 201 GBMSM and TGW enrolled in a prospective cohort offering a package of HIV prevention interventions. Participants completed a baseline survey that included four domains of sexual identity/behavior stigma, HIV-related stigma, and healthcare stigma. Impact of stigma on PrEP uptake and the number of drop-in visits was assessed. No domain of stigma was associated with PrEP uptake. In bivariate analysis, increased enacted sexual identity stigma increased number of drop-in visits. In a logistic regression analysis constrained to sexual identity stigma, enacted stigma was associated with increased drop-in visits (aIRR = 1.30, [95% CI: 1.02, 1.65]). Participants reporting higher enacted stigma were modestly more likely to attend additional services and have contact with the study clinics and staff. GBMSM and TGW with higher levels of enacted stigma may seek out sensitized care after negative experiences in their communities or other healthcare settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn A Brown
- Department of Epidemiology, Emory Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, USA
- ViiV Healthcare, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Aaron J Siegler
- Department of Behavioral Sciences and Health Education, Emory Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Ryan J Zahn
- Department of Epidemiology, Emory Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Rachel K Valencia
- Department of Epidemiology, Emory Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Travis Sanchez
- Department of Epidemiology, Emory Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Michael R Kramer
- Department of Epidemiology, Emory Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Nancy Refilwe Phaswana-Mafuya
- SAMRC/JJ Pan African Centre for Epidemics Research (PACER) Extramural Unit; Department of Environmental Health, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Rob Stephenson
- Department of Systems, Populations and Leadership, School of Nursing, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- The Center for Sexuality and Health Disparities, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | - Stefan D Baral
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Center for Public Health and Human Rights, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Patrick S Sullivan
- Department of Epidemiology, Emory Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, USA
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13
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Guni JN, Wanjala SW, Manguro G, Gichuki C, Lim MS, Pham MD, Luchters S, Orwa J. Using social practice theory in measuring perceived stigma among female sex workers in Mombasa, Kenya. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:972. [PMID: 37237349 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-15809-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Perceived stigma is a complex societal phenomenon that is harboured especially by female sex workers because of the interplay of a myriad of factors. As such, a precise measure of the contribution of different social practices and characteristics is necessary for both understanding and intervening in matters related to perceived stigma. We developed a Perceived Stigma Index that measures the factors that greatly contribute to the stigma among sex workers in Kenya, and thereby inform a framework for future interventions. METHODS Social Practice Theory was adopted in the development of the Perceived Stigma Index in which three social domains were extracted from data collected in the WHISPER or SHOUT study conducted among female sex workers (FSW), aged 16-35 years in Mombasa, Kenya. The three domains included: Social demographics, Relationship Control and Sexual and Gender-based Violence, and Society awareness of sexual and reproductive history. The factor assessment entailed Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), and the internal consistency of the index was measured using Cronbach's alpha coefficient. RESULTS We developed a perceived stigma index to measure perceived stigma among 882 FSWs with a median age of 26 years. A Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0.86 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.85-0.88) was obtained as a measure of the internal consistency of our index using the Social Practice Theory. In regression analysis, we identified three major factors that contribute to the perceived stigma and consists of : (i) income and family support (β = 1.69; 95% CI); (ii) society's awareness of the sex workers' sexual and reproductive history (β = 3.54; 95% CI); and (iii) different forms of relationship control e.g. physical abuse (β = 1.48; 95%CI that propagate the perceived stigma among the FSWs. CONCLUSION Social practice theory has solid properties that support and capture the multi-dimensional nature of perceived stigma. The findings support the fact that social practices contribute or provoke this fear of being discriminated against. Thus, in offering interventions to curb perceived stigma, focus should fall on the education of the society on the importance of acceptance and integration of the FSWs as part of the society and the eradication of sexual and gender based violence meted out on them. TRIAL REGISTRATION The trial was registered in the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, ACTRN12616000852459.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stanley Wechuli Wanjala
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Social Sciences, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Pwani University, Kilifi, Kenya
| | | | - Caroline Gichuki
- Institute for Human Development, Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Megan Sc Lim
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- School of Population Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- Melbourne school of global and population health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Minh D Pham
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventative Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Stanley Luchters
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Centre for Sexual Health and HIV AIDS Research, CeSHHAR, Harare, Zimbabwe
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - James Orwa
- Department of Population Health, Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya
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14
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Wiginton JM, Maksut JL, Scheim AI, Zlotorzynska M, Sanchez TH, Baral SD. Intersecting Sexual Behavior and Gender Identity Stigmas Among Transgender Women in the United States: Burden and Associations with Sexual Health. AIDS Behav 2023:10.1007/s10461-023-04028-w. [PMID: 36952112 PMCID: PMC10034890 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-023-04028-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/24/2023]
Abstract
In the United States, a context of multiple marginalization shapes sexual health disparities experienced by transgender women. Using data from 396 transgender women with negative or unknown HIV status, we performed exploratory factor analysis on responses to gender identity and sexual behavior stigma items and regressed sexual health outcomes on extracted factors via modified Poisson regression with robust variance estimation. Overall, 97.2% of participants endorsed ≥ 1 gender identity stigma; 67.2% endorsed ≥ 1 sexual behavior stigma; and 66.9% endorsed ≥ 1 of each. Extracted factors included gender-identity social stigma, reflecting experiences related to family, fearfulness in public, and verbal harassment (α = 0.68); gender-identity institutional stigma/violence, reflecting experiences related to healthcare, police interactions, and interpersonal violence (α = 0.73); and global sexual behavior stigma, reflecting experiences related to family, friends, and healthcare, as well as police interactions, fearfulness in public, verbal harassment, and interpersonal violence (α = 0.83). Gender-identity social stigma was significantly, positively associated with testing for HIV and testing for sexually transmitted infections. Gender-identity institutional stigma/violence and global sexual behavior stigma were both significantly, positively associated with condomless anal sex, sex work, testing for HIV, testing for sexually transmitted infections, and use of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis. Stigma-mitigation remains critical to improve quality of life and sexual health for transgender women in the United States.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Mark Wiginton
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, Department of Medicine, University of California-San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.
- San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA.
| | - Jessica L Maksut
- Center for Public Health & Human Rights, Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Ayden I Scheim
- Dornsife School of Public Health, Drexel University, Nesbitt Hall, 3215 Market St, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Maria Zlotorzynska
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1581 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Travis H Sanchez
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1581 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Stefan D Baral
- Center for Public Health & Human Rights, Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
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15
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Lukumay GG, Mgopa LR, Mushy SE, Rosser BRS, Massae AF, Mkonyi E, Mohammed I, Mwakawanga DL, Trent M, Wadley J, Ross MW, Bonilla Z, Leshabari S. Community myths and misconceptions about sexual health in Tanzania: Stakeholders' views from a qualitative study in Dar es Salaam Tanzania. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0264706. [PMID: 36763616 PMCID: PMC9916544 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0264706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Sexual and reproductive health problems are one of the top five risk factors for disability in the developing world. The rates of sexual health problems in most African countries are overwhelming, which is why HIV and other STIs are still such a challenge in sub-Saharan Africa. Talking about sex in most African countries is a taboo, leading to common myths and misconceptions that ultimately impact community sexual health. METHODS In this study, we conducted 11 key stakeholder individual interviews with community, religious, political, and health leaders (sexual health stakeholders) in Tanzania. Qualitative content analysis was used to analyze all the materials. RESULTS Two main categories merged from the analysis. The first category, "Ambiguities about sexual health" focused on societal and political misconceptions and identified ten myths or misconceptions common in Tanzania. Stakeholders highlighted the confusion that happens when different information about sexual health is presented from two different sources (e.g., community leaders/peers and political leaders), which leaves the community and community leaders unsure which one is reliable. The second category, "Practical dilemmas in serving clients", addressed a range of professional and religious dilemmas in addressing sexual health concerns. This included the inability of religious leaders and health care providers to provide appropriate sexual health care because of internal or external influences. CONCLUSION Myths and misconceptions surrounding sexual health can prevent communities from adequately addressing sexual health concerns, and make it more difficult for healthcare providers to comfortably provide sexual health care to patients and communities. Stakeholders affirmed a need to develop a sexual health curriculum for medical, nursing and midwifery students because of the lack of education in this area. Such a curriculum needs to address nine common myths which were identified through the interviews.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gift G. Lukumay
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS), Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Lucy R. Mgopa
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS), Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Stella E. Mushy
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS), Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - B. R. Simon Rosser
- University of Minnesota, School of Public Health, Minneapolis, MN, United States of America
| | - Agnes F. Massae
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS), Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Ever Mkonyi
- University of Minnesota, School of Public Health, Minneapolis, MN, United States of America
| | - Inari Mohammed
- University of Minnesota, School of Public Health, Minneapolis, MN, United States of America
| | | | - Maria Trent
- Johns Hopkins Medicine, Baltimore, MD, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - James Wadley
- School of Adult and Continuing Education, Lincoln University, Baltimore Pike, PA, United States of America
| | - Michael W. Ross
- University of Minnesota, School of Public Health, Minneapolis, MN, United States of America
| | - Zobeida Bonilla
- University of Minnesota, School of Public Health, Minneapolis, MN, United States of America
| | - Sebalda Leshabari
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS), Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
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16
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Li Y, Xiao X, Zhou Y, Su X, Wang H. The mediating role of executive function in the relationship between self-stigma and self-injury or suicidal ideation among men who have sex with men living with HIV. Front Public Health 2023; 10:1066781. [PMID: 36699888 PMCID: PMC9869120 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1066781] [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: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Men who have sex with men (MSM) living with HIV suffer from psychosocial pressures and marginalization as a result of being HIV-positive and belonging to a sexual minority group, and self-injury or suicidal ideation are prevalent among this group. Studies have found that both perceived self-stigma and altered executive function is related to self-injury or suicidal ideation. However, the combined contribution of self-stigma and executive function to self-injury or suicidal ideation remains unclear, especially in MSM living with HIV. Therefore, this study is conducted to explore the mechanism of self-injury or suicidal ideation by hypothesizing that executive function plays a mediating role in the relationship between self-stigma and self-injury or suicidal ideation. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional survey among 448 MSM living with HIV who were recruited in the HIV clinic of a tertiary general hospital in Changsha, China, from November 2021 to February 2022. A questionnaires survey was adopted to collect sociodemographic and disease-related information and data related to executive function (including working memory, inhibition, and task monitoring), self-stigma, and self-injury or suicidal ideation. Structural equation modeling and bootstrap testing were used to investigate the potential mediating role of executive function in the relationship between self-stigma and suicidal ideation. Results The participants were aged 18-76 years. Those who had ever had self-injury or suicidal ideation accounted for 32.8% of the total. A higher level of self-stigma and poorer executive function were associated with more frequent self-injury or suicidal ideation (p < 0.01). The mediation model analysis showed a good fit (x 2/df = 1.07, p = 0.381). The direct effect of self-stigma on self-injury or suicidal ideation (β = 0.346, p < 0.001) and the indirect effect of self-stigma via executive function (β = 0.132, p < 0.001) were significant, with the indirect effect accounting for 27.6% of the total effect. Conclusions This study demonstrates that executive function mediates the relationship between self-stigma and self-injury or suicidal ideation among MSM living with HIV. It suggests that future studies targeting enhancing executive function and decreasing self-stigma may reduce self-injury or suicidal ideation among MSM living with HIV.
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17
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Age and Mental Health Symptoms Among Chinese Persons With HIV: The Mediating and Moderating Role of Perceived Discrimination. J Assoc Nurses AIDS Care 2023; 34:105-112. [PMID: 36656094 DOI: 10.1097/jnc.0000000000000373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT The association between age and mental health symptoms among persons with HIV (PWH) is inconsistent, and little is known about the mediators and moderators of this association. This study aimed to examine the association between age and mental health symptoms, as well as the mediators and moderators of perceived discrimination. Data were from 1,304 PWH who completed a cross-sectional survey in five areas of China. Multiple linear regressions showed that younger age was significantly associated with more severe mental health symptoms and that perceived discrimination moderated this relationship. The Sobel test showed that perceived discrimination also mediated the association between age and mental health symptoms. Our study indicates that perceived discrimination shapes the association between age and mental health symptoms among PWH and highlights the importance of designing age-tailored mental health intervention strategies for perceived discrimination among young PWH. Interventions addressing discrimination are necessary to help improve mental health, especially for young PWH.
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18
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Stockton MA, Kraemer J, Oga E, Kimani J, Mbote D, Kemunto C, Njuguna S, Nyblade L. Validation of a Brief Internalized Sex-work Stigma Scale among Female Sex Workers in Kenya. JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2023; 60:146-152. [PMID: 34622725 PMCID: PMC8989712 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2021.1983752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Female sex workers (FSW) often face severe stigma and discrimination and are extremely vulnerable to HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. In the fields of HIV and mental health, internalized stigma is associated with poor health care engagement. Due to the lack of valid, standardized measures for internalized sex work-related stigma, its dimensions and role are not well-understood. This study aimed to validate the six-item Internalized AIDS-Related Stigma Scale adapted to capture internalized sex work-related stigma by examining the scale's psychometric properties and performance among a cross-sectional, snowball sample of FSW (N = 497) in Kenya. While the original pre-hypothesized six-item model yielded acceptable CFI and SRMR values (CFI = 0.978 and SRMR = 0.038), the RMSEA was higher than desirable (RMSEA = 0.145). Our final four-item model demonstrated improved goodness of fit indices (RMSEA = 0.053; CFI = 0.999; and SRMR = 0.005). Both the pre-hypothesized six-item and reduced final four-item model demonstrated good internal consistency (Cronbach's alphas of 0.8162 and 0.8754, respectively). Higher levels of internalized stigma were associated with depression, riskier sexual behavior, and reduced condom use. This very brief measure will allow for reliable assessment of internalized stigma among FSW. Further investigation of internalized stigma among male sex workers, particularly the intersection of sex work-related and same-sex behavior-related stigmas, is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa A. Stockton
- Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Department of Psychiatry, New York, USA
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, USA
| | - John Kraemer
- Department of Health Systems Administration, Georgetown University, Washington DC, USA
- Global Health Division, International Development Group, RTI International, Washington DC, USA
| | - Emmanuel Oga
- Center for Applied Public Health Research, RTI International, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Joshua Kimani
- Institute of Tropical and Infectious Diseases, University of Nairobi, Nairobi; Kenya
| | - David Mbote
- Kuria Foundation for Social Enterprise, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | | | - Laura Nyblade
- Global Health Division, International Development Group, RTI International, Washington DC, USA
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19
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Chen C, Baral S, Comins CA, Mcingana M, Wang L, Phetlhu DR, Mulumba N, Guddera V, Young K, Mishra S, Hausler H, Schwartz SR. HIV- and sex work-related stigmas and quality of life of female sex workers living with HIV in South Africa: a cross-sectional study. BMC Infect Dis 2022; 22:910. [PMID: 36474210 PMCID: PMC9724359 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-022-07892-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Environmental quality of life (QoL) assesses individually perceived factors such as physical safety and security, accessibility, quality of healthcare, and physical environment. These factors are particularly relevant in the context of sex work and HIV, where stigma has been identified as an important barrier across several prevention and treatment domains. This study aims to examine the association between different types of HIV- and sex work-related stigmas and environmental QoL among female sex workers (FSW) living with HIV in Durban, South Africa. METHODS We conducted cross-sectional analyses using baseline data from the Siyaphambili randomized controlled trial. FSW who reported sex work as their primary source of income and had been diagnosed with HIV for ≥ 6 months were enrolled from June 2018-March 2020, in eThekwini, South Africa. We evaluated the association between environmental QoL, dichotomizing the environmental domain score collected by the WHO Quality of Life HIV Brief (WHOQOL-HIV BREF) questionnaire at the median, and stigma using modified robust Poisson regression models. Five stigma subscales were assessed: sex work-related (anticipated, enacted, or internalized stigma) and HIV-related (anticipated or enacted stigma). RESULTS Among 1373 FSW, the median environmental QoL was 10.5 out of 20 [IQR: 9.0-12.5; range 4.0-19.0], while the median overall QoL was 3 out of 5 [IQR: 2-4; range 1-5]. One-third of FSW (n = 456) fell above the median environmental QoL score, while 67% were above the median overall QoL (n = 917). Reporting anticipated sex work stigma was associated with lower environmental QoL (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR] 0.74 [95% CI 0.61, 0.90]), as was severe internalized sex work stigma (aPR: 0.64, 95% CI 0.48, 0.86). Reporting enacted HIV stigma versus none was similarly associated with lower environmental QoL (aPR: 0.65, 95% CI 0.49, 0.87). Enacted sex work stigma and anticipated HIV stigma were not statistically associated with environmental QoL. CONCLUSIONS This study highlights the need to consider the impact of multiple stigmas on FSW's non-HIV related clinical outcomes, including safety and physical well-being. Moreover, these results suggest that addressing underlying structural risks may support the impact of more proximal HIV prevention and treatment interventions. Trial registration NCT03500172 (April 17, 2018).
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Chen
- grid.21107.350000 0001 2171 9311Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe St, W3503, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA
| | - Stefan Baral
- grid.21107.350000 0001 2171 9311Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe St, W3503, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA
| | - Carly A. Comins
- grid.21107.350000 0001 2171 9311Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe St, W3503, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA
| | - Mfezi Mcingana
- grid.438604.dTB HIV Care Association, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Linwei Wang
- grid.415502.7MAP-Centre for Urban Health Solutions, St. Michael’s Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON Canada
| | - Deliwe Rene Phetlhu
- grid.438604.dTB HIV Care Association, Cape Town, South Africa ,grid.8974.20000 0001 2156 8226University of Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Ntambue Mulumba
- grid.438604.dTB HIV Care Association, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Vijay Guddera
- grid.438604.dTB HIV Care Association, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Katherine Young
- grid.438604.dTB HIV Care Association, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Sharmistha Mishra
- grid.415502.7MAP-Centre for Urban Health Solutions, St. Michael’s Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON Canada ,grid.17063.330000 0001 2157 2938Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON Canada ,grid.17063.330000 0001 2157 2938Institute of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON Canada
| | - Harry Hausler
- grid.438604.dTB HIV Care Association, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Sheree R. Schwartz
- grid.21107.350000 0001 2171 9311Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe St, W3503, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA
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20
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Oga E, Stockton MA, Stewart C, Kraemer J, Kimani J, Mbote D, Njuguna S, Nyblade L. Validating a measure of anticipated sex work-related stigma among male and female sex workers in Kenya. Glob Public Health 2022; 17:3583-3595. [PMID: 35938397 PMCID: PMC10242293 DOI: 10.1080/17441692.2022.2105377] [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: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Sex workers face different types of sex work-related stigma, which may include anticipated, perceived, experienced, or internalized stigma. Sex work stigma can discourage health care seeking and hamper STI and HIV prevention and treatment efforts. There is a paucity of validated sex work-related stigma measures, and this limits the ability to study the stigma associated with sex work. A cross-sectional survey was conducted that measured anticipated sex work-related stigma among male and female sex workers in Kenya (N = 729). We examined the construct validity and reliability of the anticipated stigma items to establish a conceptually and statistically valid scale. Our analysis supported a 15-item scale measuring five anticipated sex work stigma domains: gossip and verbal abuse from family; gossip and verbal abuse from healthcare workers; gossip and verbal abuse from friends and community; physical abuse; and exclusion. The scale demonstrated good face, content, and construct validity. Reliability was good for all subscales and the overall scale. The scale demonstrated good model fit statistics and good standardized factor loadings. The availability of valid and reliable stigma measures will enhance efforts to characterize and address stigma among sex workers and ultimately support the protection, health and well-being of this vulnerable population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Oga
- Center for Applied Public Health Research, RTI International, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Melissa A. Stockton
- Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Department of Psychiatry, New York, USA
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, USA
| | - Christin Stewart
- Global Health Division, International Development Group, RTI International, Washington DC, USA
| | - John Kraemer
- Global Health Division, International Development Group, RTI International, Washington DC, USA
- Department of Health Systems Administration, Georgetown University, Washington DC, USA
| | - Joshua Kimani
- Institute of Tropical and Infectious Diseases, University of Nairobi, Nairobi; Kenya
| | - David Mbote
- Kuria Foundation for Social Enterprise, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Laura Nyblade
- Global Health Division, International Development Group, RTI International, Washington DC, USA
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21
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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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22
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Zimmermann BM, Willem T, Bredthauer CJ, Buyx A. Ethical Issues in Social Media Recruitment for Clinical Studies: Ethical Analysis and Framework. J Med Internet Res 2022; 24:e31231. [PMID: 35503247 PMCID: PMC9115665 DOI: 10.2196/31231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Social media recruitment for clinical studies holds the promise of being a cost-effective way of attracting traditionally marginalized populations and promoting patient engagement with researchers and a particular study. However, using social media for recruiting clinical study participants also poses a range of ethical issues. OBJECTIVE This study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the ethical benefits and risks to be considered for social media recruitment in clinical studies and develop practical recommendations on how to implement these considerations. METHODS On the basis of established principles of clinical ethics and research ethics, we reviewed the conceptual and empirical literature for ethical benefits and challenges related to social media recruitment. From these, we derived a conceptual framework to evaluate the eligibility of social media use for recruitment for a specific clinical study. RESULTS We identified three eligibility criteria for social media recruitment for clinical studies: information and consent, risks for target groups, and recruitment effectiveness. These criteria can be used to evaluate the implementation of a social media recruitment strategy at its planning stage. We have discussed the practical implications of these criteria for researchers. CONCLUSIONS The ethical challenges related to social media recruitment are context sensitive. Therefore, social media recruitment should be planned rigorously, taking into account the target group, the appropriateness of social media as a recruitment channel, and the resources available to execute the strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bettina M Zimmermann
- Institute of History and Ethics in Medicine, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Institute for Biomedical Ethics, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Theresa Willem
- Institute of History and Ethics in Medicine, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Department of Science, Technology and Society, School of Social Sciences and Technology, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Carl Justus Bredthauer
- Institute of History and Ethics in Medicine, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Alena Buyx
- Institute of History and Ethics in Medicine, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
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23
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Tan S, Cen P, Fang T, Yang X, Zhang Y, Zhu J, Huang H, Wang M, Jiang L, Mo J, Ning C. Chained multimediator model of sexual orientation disclosure, sexual minority stigma, sexual minority identity, social support, and resilience among ymsms. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:797. [PMID: 35449098 PMCID: PMC9026989 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-13231-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction This study aimed to investigate sexual orientation disclosure and mental health among young men who have sex with men (YMSMs). To this end, we constructed a chained multimediator model of sexual minority stigma, sexual minority identity, social support, and resilience, with the moderator of sexual orientation disclosure. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 345 YMSMs in Nanning, China. Bivariate analysis was used to evaluate factors associated with sexual orientation disclosure. Sexual minority stigma was used to predict identity, with social support as the step 1 mediator and resilience as the step 2 mediator. Sexual minority identity was analyzed using a chained moderated mediation model; sexual orientation disclosure was included as a moderator in all models to control its confounding effect. Results The average age of YMSMs was 20.0 ± 1.3 years. Bivariate analysis indicated that YMSMs who disclosed sexual orientation may have experienced less stigma (15.49 ± 3.02 vs 16.21 ± 2.74), obtained more social support (65.98 ± 11.18 vs 63.19 ± 11.13), had strong psychological resilience (37.40 ± 8.57 vs 35.39 ± 7.73), and had a more positive self-identity (104.12 ± 21.10 vs 95.35 ± 16.67); differences between subgroups were statistically significant (p < 0.05). Sexual minority stigma, perceived stigma, and enacted stigma were significantly associated with social support and resilience. The association between sexual minority stigma and sexual minority identity was significantly mediated by social support (indirect effect [95% CI] = − 3.307 [− 4.782, − 1.907]). Resilience significantly mediated the same association for identity (− 2.544 [− 4.052, − 1.114]). The chained relationship from sexual minority stigma to social support, resilience, and identity was also significant, with an indirect effect of − 0.404 [− 0.621, − 0.249]. Conclusion Among YMSMs in China, sexual minority stigma affects sexual minority identity through social support and resilience. Given the psychological effects of stigma, social support and resilience must be considered to better promote positive self-identity and mental health among YMSMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumin Tan
- Nursing College, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Ping Cen
- Nanning Municipal Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Nanning, Guangxi, China.,School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Ting Fang
- Nursing College, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Xing Yang
- School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Yun Zhang
- Nursing College, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Jiawen Zhu
- Nursing College, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Haimei Huang
- Nursing College, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Min Wang
- Nursing College, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Li Jiang
- Nursing College, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Jieling Mo
- Nursing College, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China.
| | - Chuanyi Ning
- Nursing College, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China.
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24
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Lyons C, Bendaud V, Bourey C, Erkkola T, Ravichandran I, Syarif O, Stangl A, Chang J, Ferguson L, Nyblade L, Amon J, Iovita A, Janušonytė E, Looze P, Sprague L, Sabin K, Baral S, Murray SM. Global assessment of existing HIV and key population stigma indicators: A data mapping exercise to inform country-level stigma measurement. PLoS Med 2022; 19:e1003914. [PMID: 35192602 PMCID: PMC8903269 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1003914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stigma is an established barrier to the provision and uptake of HIV prevention, diagnostic, and treatment services. Despite consensus on the importance of addressing stigma, there are currently no country-level summary measures to characterize stigma and track progress in reducing stigma around the globe. This data mapping exercise aimed to assess the potential for existing data to be used to summarize and track stigma, including discrimination, related to HIV status, or key population membership at the country level. METHODS AND FINDINGS This study assessed existing indicators of stigma related to living with HIV or belonging to 1 of 4 key populations including gay men and other men who have sex with men, sex workers, people who use drugs, and transgender persons. UNAIDS Strategic Information Department led an initial drafting of possible domains, subdomains, and indicators, and a 3-week e-consultation was held to provide feedback. From the e-consultation, 44 indicators were proposed for HIV stigma; 14 for sexual minority stigma (including sexual behavior or orientation) related to men who have sex with men; 12 for sex work stigma; 10 for drug use stigma; and 17 for gender identity stigma related to transgender persons. We conducted a global data mapping exercise to identify and describe the availability and quality of stigma data across countries with the following sources: UNAIDS National Commitments and Policies Instrument (NCPI) database; Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys (MICS); Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS); People Living with HIV Stigma Index surveys; HIV Key Populations Data Repository; Integrated Biological and Behavioral Surveys (IBBS); and network databases. Data extraction was conducted between August and November 2020. Indicators were evaluated based on the following: if an existing data source could be identified; the number of countries for which data were available for the indicator at present and in the future; variation in the indicator across countries; and considerations of data quality or accuracy. This mapping exercise resulted in the identification of 24 HIV stigma indicators and 10 key population indicators as having potential to be used at present in the creation of valid summary measures of stigma at the country level. These indicators may allow assessment of legal, societal, and behavioral manifestations of stigma across population groups and settings. Study limitations include potential selection bias due to available data sources to the research team and other biases due to the exploratory nature of this data mapping process. CONCLUSIONS Based on the current state of data available, several indicators have the potential to characterize the level and nature of stigma affecting people living with HIV and key populations across countries and across time. This exercise revealed challenges for an empirical process reliant on existing data to determine how to weight and best combine indicators into indices. However, results for this study can be combined with participatory processes to inform summary measure development and set data collection priorities going forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carrie Lyons
- Epidemiology Department, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | | | - Christine Bourey
- Mental Health Department, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | | | - Ishwarya Ravichandran
- Epidemiology Department, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Omar Syarif
- Global Network of People Living with HIV (GNP+), Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Anne Stangl
- International Health Department, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Hera Solutions, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Judy Chang
- International Network of People Who Use Drugs (INPUD) Secretariat, London, United Kingdom
| | - Laura Ferguson
- Keck School of Medicine, USC Institute on Inequalities in Global Health, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Laura Nyblade
- Global Health Division, International Development Group, RTI International, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Joseph Amon
- Dornsife School of Public Health, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Alexandrina Iovita
- Communities, Rights and Gender Department, The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Eglė Janušonytė
- International Federation of Medical Students’ Associations, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Pim Looze
- Global Network of People Living with HIV (GNP+), Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | | | | | - Stefan Baral
- Epidemiology Department, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Sarah M. Murray
- Mental Health Department, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
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25
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Torres TS, Jalil EM, Coelho LE, Bezerra DRB, Jalil CM, Hoagland B, Cardoso SW, Arayasirikul S, Veloso VG, Wilson EC, McFarland W, Grinsztejn B. A Technology-Based Intervention Among Young Men Who Have Sex With Men and Nonbinary People (The Conectad@s Project): Protocol for A Vanguard Mixed Methods Study. JMIR Res Protoc 2022; 11:e34885. [PMID: 35023848 PMCID: PMC8796043 DOI: 10.2196/34885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In many parts of the world, including Brazil, uptake for biomedical interventions has been insufficient to reverse the HIV epidemic among key populations at high risk for HIV, including men who have sex with men. Young MSM (YMSM), particularly Black YMSM, have high HIV incidence, low viral suppression, and low preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) uptake and adherence. Therefore, novel approaches to increase the HIV biomedical interventions uptake by YMSM are urgently needed. OBJECTIVE We describe the Conectad@s Project, which aims to: (1) estimate the prevalence and incidence of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, the onset of sexual risk behavior, and barriers to biomedical interventions among YMSM aged 18 to 24 years in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; and (2) conduct a technology-based adherence intervention study to promote a rapid linkage of YMSM to HIV care or prevention, and support and sustain adherence. METHODS A cross-sectional survey will be conducted with 400 YMSM recruited using respondent-driven sampling (RDS) adapted for social media-based sampling, preceded by a formative phase. HIV and sexually transmitted infections testing will be conducted, including early HIV infection biomarker detection. Behavioral, partnership, network, and structural measures will be collected through structured questionnaires. All individuals recruited for the survey will have access to HIV risk assessment, antiretroviral therapy (ART), PrEP, prevention counseling, and a technology-based adherence intervention. Those who accept the adherence intervention will receive weekly text messages via a social networking app (WhatsApp) for 24 weeks, with follow-up data collected over 48 weeks. RESULTS The Conectad@s project has been approved by our local institutional review board (#CAAE 26086719.0.0000.4262) in accordance with all applicable regulations. Questionnaires for the RDS survey and intervention were developed and tested in 2020, formative interviews were conducted in January and February 2021 to guide the development of the RDS, and enrollment is planned to begin in early 2022. CONCLUSIONS The Conectad@s Project is a vanguard study that, for the first time, will apply digital RDS to sample and recruit YMSM in Brazil and rapidly connect them to ART, PrEP, or prevention counseling through a technology-based adherence intervention. RDS will allow us to estimate HIV prevalence among YMSM and measure HIV infection biomarkers in the context of the onset of risky behavior. The data will lay the groundwork to adapt and implement HIV prevention strategies, identify barriers to the earliest HIV infection diagnosis, immediate ART or PrEP initiation, and detect new clusters of HIV transmission. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/34885.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thiago Silva Torres
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Emilia Moreira Jalil
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Lara Esteves Coelho
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Cristina Moreira Jalil
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Brenda Hoagland
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Sandra Wagner Cardoso
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Sean Arayasirikul
- Center for Public Health Research, San Francisco Department of Public Health, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | | | - Erin C Wilson
- Center for Public Health Research, San Francisco Department of Public Health, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Willi McFarland
- Center for Public Health Research, San Francisco Department of Public Health, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Beatriz Grinsztejn
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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26
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Greenwood GL, Wilson A, Bansal GP, Barnhart C, Barr E, Berzon R, Boyce CA, Elwood W, Gamble-George J, Glenshaw M, Henry R, Iida H, Jenkins RA, Lee S, Malekzadeh A, Morris K, Perrin P, Rice E, Sufian M, Weatherspoon D, Whitaker M, Williams M, Zwerski S, Gaist P. HIV-Related Stigma Research as a Priority at the National Institutes of Health. AIDS Behav 2022; 26:5-26. [PMID: 33886010 PMCID: PMC8060687 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-021-03260-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) recognizes that, despite HIV scientific advances, stigma and discrimination continue to be critical barriers to the uptake of evidence-based HIV interventions. Achieving the Ending the HIV Epidemic: A Plan for America (EHE) goals will require eliminating HIV-related stigma. NIH has a significant history of supporting HIV stigma research across its Institutes, Centers, and Offices (ICOs) as a research priority. This article provides an overview of NIH HIV stigma research efforts. Each ICO articulates how their mission shapes their interest in HIV stigma research and provides a summary of ICO-relevant scientific findings. Research gaps and/or future opportunities are identified throughout, with key research themes and approaches noted. Taken together, the collective actions on the part of the NIH, in tandem with a whole of government and whole of society approach, will contribute to achieving EHE's milestones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory L Greenwood
- Division of AIDS Research, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, 5601 Fishers Lane, 9G19, Bethesda, MD, 20852, USA.
| | - Amber Wilson
- Office of AIDS Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20852, USA
| | - Geetha P Bansal
- Division of International Training and Research, Fogarty International Center, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
| | - Christopher Barnhart
- Sexual and Gender Minority Research Office, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
| | - Elizabeth Barr
- Office of Research on Women's Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
| | - Rick Berzon
- Division of Scientific Programs, National Institute of Minority Health and Health Disparities, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Cheryl Anne Boyce
- Center for Translation Research and Implementation Science, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - William Elwood
- Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
| | | | - Mary Glenshaw
- Office of AIDS Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20852, USA
| | - Rebecca Henry
- Division of Extramural Science Programs, National Institute of Nursing Research, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Hiroko Iida
- Division of Extramural Research, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Richard A Jenkins
- Division of Epidemiology, Services and Prevention Research, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Bethesda, MD, 20852, USA
| | - Sonia Lee
- Division of Extramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda, MD, 20817, USA
| | - Arianne Malekzadeh
- Division of International Science Policy, Planning and Evaluation, Fogarty International Center, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
| | - Kathryn Morris
- Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
| | - Peter Perrin
- Division of Digestive Diseases & Nutrition, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Elise Rice
- Division of Extramural Research, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Meryl Sufian
- Office of AIDS Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20852, USA
| | - Darien Weatherspoon
- Division of Extramural Research, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Miya Whitaker
- Office of Research on Women's Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
| | - Makeda Williams
- Center for Translation Research and Implementation Science, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Sheryl Zwerski
- Division of AIDS, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Bethesda, MD, 20852, USA
| | - Paul Gaist
- Office of AIDS Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20852, USA
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27
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Shangani S, Genberg B, Harrison A, Pellowski J, Wachira J, Naanyu V, Operario D. Cultural adaptation and validation of a measure of prejudice against men who have sex with men among healthcare providers in western Kenya. Glob Public Health 2022; 17:150-164. [PMID: 33306434 PMCID: PMC8192581 DOI: 10.1080/17441692.2020.1860248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Sexual prejudice toward men who have sex with men (MSM) is a pressing concern in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Given the high HIV infection risk among this population, sexual prejudice perpetuated by healthcare providers, affects access to and willingness of MSM to seek HIV care services. However, data on healthcare providers' attitudes towards MSM in SSA are limited, and there are no locally-adapted measures of sexual prejudice. We adapted a scale to measure sexual prejudice with a sample of 147 healthcare providers in western Kenya. Results from exploratory factor analysis revealed a single-factor structure. The scale demonstrated high internal consistency with Cronbach's α = 0.91. Healthcare providers who had prior interpersonal contact with MSM, had ever been trained on counselling MSM, and had higher knowledge about MSM health needs reported lower sexual prejudice scores, compared with peers who lacked these experiences (p < 0.001). In contrast, healthcare providers who had experienced secondary stigma (negative judgments from peers and community) for providing care to MSM reported higher scores of sexual prejudice scale (p < 0.001) compared with providers who had not experienced secondary stigma. The scale provides a contextualised tool to assess healthcare providers' attitudes toward MSM in Kenya and countries in SSA with similar cultural norms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvia Shangani
- School of Community & Environmental Health, College of Health Sciences, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, USA
| | - Becky Genberg
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland USA
| | - Abigail Harrison
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University, School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Jennifer Pellowski
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University, School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Juddy Wachira
- Moi University, College of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Department of Mental Health and Behavioral Social Sciences, Eldoret Kenya
| | - Violet Naanyu
- Moi University, School of Arts and Social Sciences, Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Don Operario
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University, School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
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Wiginton JM, Murray SM, Augustinavicius J, Maksut JL, Anderson BJ, Sey K, Ma Y, Flynn CP, German D, Higgins E, Menza TW, Orellana ER, Flynn AB, Al-Tayyib A, Kienzle J, Shields G, Lopez Z, Wermuth P, Baral SD. Metrics of Sexual Behavior Stigma Among Cisgender Men Who Have Sex With Men in 9 Cities Across the United States. Am J Epidemiol 2022; 191:93-103. [PMID: 34664625 DOI: 10.1093/aje/kwab240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Revised: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Men who have sex with men (MSM) in the United States are stigmatized for their same-sex practices, which can lead to risky sexual behavior, potentiating risk for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Improved measurement is necessary for accurately reporting and mitigating sexual behavior stigma. We added 13 sexual behavior stigma items to local surveys administered in 2017 at 9 sites in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National HIV Behavioral Surveillance system, which uses venue-based, time-sampling procedures to survey cisgender MSM in US Census Metropolitan Statistical Areas. We performed exploratory factor analytical procedures on site-specific (Baltimore, Maryland; Denver, Colorado; Detroit, Michigan; Houston, Texas; Nassau-Suffolk, New York; Portland, Oregon; Los Angeles, California; San Diego, California; and Virginia Beach-Norfolk, Virginia) and pooled responses to the survey items. A 3-factor solution-"stigma from family" (α = 0.70), "anticipated health-care stigma" (α = 0.75), and "general social stigma" (α = 0.66)-best fitted the pooled data and was the best-fitting solution across sites. Findings demonstrate that MSM across the United States experience sexual behavior stigma similarly. The results reflect the programmatic utility of enhanced stigma measurement, including tracking trends in stigma over time, making regional comparisons of stigma burden, and supporting evaluation of stigma-mitigation interventions among MSM across the United States.
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Hempel S, Ferguson L, Bolshakova M, Yagyu S, Fu N, Motala A, Gruskin S. Frameworks, measures, and interventions for HIV-related internalised stigma and stigma in healthcare and laws and policies: systematic review protocol. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e053608. [PMID: 34887280 PMCID: PMC8663079 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-053608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION There is strong global commitment to eliminate HIV-related stigma. Wide variation exists in frameworks and measures, and many strategies to prevent, reduce or mitigate stigma have been proposed but critical factors determining success or failure remain elusive. METHODS AND ANALYSIS Building on existing knowledge syntheses, we designed a systematic review to identify frameworks, measures and intervention evaluations aiming to address internalised stigma, stigma and discrimination in healthcare, and stigma and discrimination at the legal or policy level. The review addresses four key questions (KQ): KQ1: Which conceptual frameworks have been proposed to assess internal stigma, stigma and discrimination experienced in healthcare settings, and stigma and discrimination entrenched in national laws and policies? KQ2: Which measures of stigma have been proposed and what are their descriptive properties? KQ3: Which interventions have been evaluated that aimed to reduce these types of stigma and discrimination or mitigate their adverse effects and what are the effectiveness and unintended consequences? KQ4: What common 'critical factors for success or failure' can be identified across interventions that have been evaluated? We will search PubMed, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Universal Human Rights Index, HeinOnline, PAIS, HIV Legal Network, CDSR, Campbell Collaboration, PROSPERO and Open Science Framework. Critical appraisal will assess the source, processes and consensus finding for frameworks; COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement Instruments criteria for measures; and risk of bias for interventions. Quality of evidence grading will apply . A gap analysis will provide targeted recommendations for future research. We will establish a compendium of frameworks, a comprehensive catalogue of available measures, and a synthesis of intervention characteristics to advance the science of HIV-related stigma. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42021249348.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Hempel
- Southern California Evidence Review Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Laura Ferguson
- Institute on Inequalities in Global Health, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Maria Bolshakova
- Southern California Evidence Review Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Sachi Yagyu
- Southern California Evidence Review Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Ning Fu
- Department of Economics, Shanghai University of Finance and Economics, Shanghai, China
| | - Aneesa Motala
- Southern California Evidence Review Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Sofia Gruskin
- Institute on Inequalities in Global Health, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
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Development of the Experiences of Sex Work Stigma Scale Using Item Response Theory: Implications for Research on the Social Determinants of HIV. AIDS Behav 2021; 25:175-188. [PMID: 33730252 PMCID: PMC8446100 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-021-03211-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
While HIV stigma has received significant attention, limited work has been conducted on the measurement of intersecting stigmas. We developed the Experiences of Sex Work Stigma (ESWS) scale in the Dominican Republic (DR) and Tanzania. We conducted in-depth interviews with 20 female sex workers (FSW) per country to identify scale domains followed by cognitive debriefing interviews to assess content validity. Items were administered in a survey to FSW in DR (n = 211) and Tanzania (n = 205). Factor analysis established four sex work stigma domains including: shame (internalized), dignity (resisted), silence (anticipated) and treatment (enacted). Reliability across domains ranged from 0.81 to 0.93. Using item response theory (IRT) we created context-specific domain scores accounting for differential item functioning between countries. ESWS domains were associated with internalized HIV stigma, depression, anxiety, sexual partner violence and social cohesion across contexts. The ESWS is the first reliable and valid scale to assess multiple domains of sex work stigma and can be used to examine the effects of this form of intersectional stigma on HIV-related outcomes across settings.
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Male Sex Workers Selling Physical Sex during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Portugal: Motives, Safer Sex Practices, and Social Vulnerabilities. SOCIETIES 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/soc11040118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this research was to assess the motives, safer sex practices, and vulnerabilities of male sex workers who sold physical sex during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study used a mixed strategy, utilizing purposive sampling techniques to conduct 13 online surveys with male sex workers working in Portugal during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants were aged between 23 and 47 years old and mostly provided their services to other men. Additionally, half of the participants were immigrants. Participants mentioned paying for essential expenses (rent, food, phone, etc.), having money for day-to-day expenses, wanting to, and enjoying it, as their main motives for engaging in sex work. Regarding sexual practices, 3 to 11 participants did not always or did not consistently use condoms during penetrative sex with their clients. Thematic analysis was used to identify the following repeated patterns of meaning regarding COVID-19-related vulnerabilities, encompassing a loss of clients and income, increased work availability, price reductions and negotiation difficulties, emotional functioning, health care access, safer sex negotiations, age, and immigration status. The findings serve as a basis for recommendations regarding social policies aimed at male sex workers who sell physical sex in Portugal.
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Sikhosana N, Mokgatle MM. A qualitative exploration on accounts of condom-use negotiation with clients: challenges and predicaments related to sex work among street-based female sex workers in Ekurhuleni District, South Africa. Pan Afr Med J 2021; 40:54. [PMID: 35059100 PMCID: PMC8724014 DOI: 10.11604/pamj.2021.40.54.29918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION female sex workers (FSWs) are the key vulnerable populations since they carry the high burden of HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). However, the vulnerability of street-based FSWs to HIV/STIs is much higher than that of the establishment-based FSWs. The study aimed to explore street-based FSWs' condom negotiation skills, barriers to condom use as well as the challenges and predicaments they face on a daily basis. METHODS an exploratory qualitative approach using focus group discussions was conducted among FSWs working in a major provincial road in a district of Gauteng Province. Thematic content analysis using NVivo version 10 software was conducted. RESULTS the age range of the FSWs was 19 to 44 years. The themes that emerged from the data on challenges to negotiation and condom use among FSWs revealed the ways condoms are used in early sex work and over time, ways of enforcing condom used, preferred types of condoms and the predicaments to working in the sex trade. FSWs gained experience of negotiating condom use over time in their work. Both female and male condoms were available and accurate insertion of condoms was reported. Male condom was preferred. Condom use strategies included direct request; using health-information messages; charging more for condomless sex; and refusing condomless sex. The FSW reported the risks of violent attacks of unregulated street-based environment. CONCLUSION condom negotiation strategies illustrated that peer-education and sharing experiences among themselves were beneficial for protective sexual behaviours. Peer-education benefits and peer-interactions yielded assertive attitudes and behaviours of demanding and/or enforcing condom use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nokuthula Sikhosana
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Ga-Rankuwa, 0208, Afrique du Sud
| | - Mathildah Mpata Mokgatle
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Ga-Rankuwa, 0208, Afrique du Sud,Corresponding author: Mathildah Mpata Mokgatle, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Ga-Rankuwa, 0208, Afrique du Sud.
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Torres TS, Coelho LE, Konda KA, Vega-Ramirez EH, Elorreaga OA, Diaz-Sosa D, Hoagland B, Pimenta C, Benedetti M, Grinsztejn B, Caceres CF, Veloso VG. Low socioeconomic status is associated with self-reported HIV positive status among young MSM in Brazil and Peru. BMC Infect Dis 2021; 21:726. [PMID: 34332552 PMCID: PMC8325787 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-021-06455-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite efforts to stop HIV epidemic in Latin America, new HIV cases continue to increase in the region especially among young MSM (YMSM). This study aims to assess if sociodemographic characteristics are associated with self-reported HIV positive status among YMSM from three Latin American countries. METHODS Cross-sectional web-based survey advertised on dating apps (Grindr and Hornet) and Facebook in Brazil, Mexico and Peru. For this analysis, we included YMSM aged 18-24 years who self-reported their HIV status. We used multivariable logistic regression models for each country separately to verify if sociodemographic characteristics (race, education and income) were associated with HIV self-reported status after adjusting for behavior characteristics (sexual attraction and steady partner). RESULTS Among 43,687 MSM who initiated the questionnaire, 27,318 (62.5%) reported their HIV status; 7001 (25.6%) of whom were YMSM. Most YMSM (83.4%) reported an HIV test in the past year, and 15.7% reported an HIV positive status in Peru, 8.4% in Mexico and 7.7% in Brazil. In adjusted models, low-income was associated with higher odds of self-reported HIV positive status in Brazil (aOR = 1.33, 95%CI: 1.01-1.75) and Peru (aOR = 1.56, 95%CI: 1.02-2.40), but not in Mexico. Lower education was associated with higher odds of self-reported HIV positive status only in Brazil (aOR = 1.35, 95%CI: 1.05-1.75). CONCLUSIONS In this large, cross-country study, self-reported HIV positive status among YMSM was high. Lower socioeconomic status was associated with higher odds of self-reported HIV positive status in Brazil and Peru. There is an urgent need for HIV prevention interventions targeting YMSM, and efforts to address low-income YMSM are especially needed in Peru and Brazil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thiago S Torres
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (INI-Fiocruz), Av Brasil, 4365 Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, 21040-360, Brazil.
| | - Lara E Coelho
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (INI-Fiocruz), Av Brasil, 4365 Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, 21040-360, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Dulce Diaz-Sosa
- National Institute of Psychiatry Ramon de la Fuente Muñiz, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Brenda Hoagland
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (INI-Fiocruz), Av Brasil, 4365 Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, 21040-360, Brazil
| | | | - Marcos Benedetti
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (INI-Fiocruz), Av Brasil, 4365 Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, 21040-360, Brazil
| | - Beatriz Grinsztejn
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (INI-Fiocruz), Av Brasil, 4365 Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, 21040-360, Brazil
| | | | - Valdilea G Veloso
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (INI-Fiocruz), Av Brasil, 4365 Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, 21040-360, Brazil
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Tomko C, Nestadt DF, Rouhani S, Silberzahn BE, Haney K, Park JN, Galai N, Logie CH, Sherman SG. Confirmatory Factor Analysis and Construct Validity of the Internalized Sex Work Stigma Scale among a Cohort of Cisgender Female Sex Workers in Baltimore, Maryland, United States. JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2021; 58:713-723. [PMID: 32401075 PMCID: PMC7666019 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2020.1755821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Internalized sex work stigma among cisgender female sex workers (FSW) is produced within contexts of social marginalization and associated with a range of ill-effects, including psychological distress, and lower rates of healthcare-seeking. This study seeks to uncover latent domains of the new Internalized Sex Work Stigma Scale (ISWSS) using data from 367 FSW in Baltimore, Maryland, USA. The sample was 56% white with high substance use (82% smoked crack cocaine, 58% injected any drug). The average ISWSS score was 34.8 (s.d. = 5.8, possible range: 12-48) and internal consistency was high (0.82). Confirmatory factor analysis revealed four subscales: worthlessness, guilt and shame, stigma acceptance, and sex work illegitimacy. Internal consistency of subscales was high (0.69-0.90); the scale also demonstrated construct validity with depression and agency. In bivariate logistic regressions, higher ISWSS, worthlessness, shame and guilt, and acceptance scores predicted higher odds of rushing client negotiations due to police. In unadjusted multinomial regressions, feeling respected by police predicted lower ISWSS, worthlessness, guilt and shame, acceptance, and illegitimacy scores. Identified factors are congruent with existing literature about how FSW manage sex work-specific stigma. Understanding the unique dimensions and impacts of internalized sex work stigma can inform interventions and policy to reduce morbidities experienced by FSW.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Tomko
- Health, Behavior, and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Danielle Friedman Nestadt
- Health, Behavior, and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Saba Rouhani
- Health, Behavior, and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Bradley E. Silberzahn
- Health, Behavior, and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Katherine Haney
- Health, Behavior, and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Ju Nyeong Park
- Health, Behavior, and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Noya Galai
- Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Statistics, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Carmen H. Logie
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Susan G. Sherman
- Health, Behavior, and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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35
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Dunbar W, Labat A, Raccurt C, Sohler N, Pape JW, Maulet N, Coppieters Y. A realist systematic review of stigma reduction interventions for HIV prevention and care continuum outcomes among men who have sex with men. Int J STD AIDS 2021; 31:712-723. [PMID: 32631213 DOI: 10.1177/0956462420924984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
While stigma associated with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection among men who have sex with men (MSM) is well recognized, there remains relatively limited intervention data on effective stigma reduction strategies. This systematic review was conducted to highlight the mechanisms through which sexual and HIV stigma is reduced in relation to HIV prevention and care engagement. Search of PubMed and Scopus resulted in 11 tested interventions to include in our preliminary model constructed from programme frameworks and recommendations. We refined the preliminary programme theory to identify whether, why, or how mitigation strategies produce observed outcomes. Our review showed that the interventions produced stigma reduction through three groups of mechanisms: (1) Self-acceptance, leadership, and motivational activation for behaviour change from intrapersonal strategies, such as education and mobile health strategies, which intervene on internalized and anticipated stigma; (2) socialization, knowledge sharing, and social empowerment from interpersonal strategies, such as peer support and training for care providers; and (3) community introspection, self-reflection, and humanistic activation from structural strategies such as community leaders' sensitization, which intervene on both anticipated and enacted stigma. Interventions mechanisms act complementarily and can be activated in different contexts in which MSM exposed to and infected with HIV are living.
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Affiliation(s)
- Willy Dunbar
- Health Systems and Policies - International Health, School of Public Health, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium.,Haitian Study Group for Kaposi's Sarcoma and Opportunistic Infections (GHESKIO), Port-au-Prince, Haiti
| | - Aline Labat
- Health Systems and Policies - International Health, School of Public Health, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Christian Raccurt
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Quisqueya University, Port-au-Prince, Haiti
| | - Nancy Sohler
- Community Health and Social Medicine, City University of New York, School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jean William Pape
- Haitian Study Group for Kaposi's Sarcoma and Opportunistic Infections (GHESKIO), Port-au-Prince, Haiti.,Center for Global Health, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Nathalie Maulet
- Ecole de Santé Publique, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Yves Coppieters
- Health Systems and Policies - International Health, School of Public Health, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
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Laprise C, Bolster-Foucault C. Understanding barriers and facilitators to HIV testing in Canada from 2009-2019: A systematic mixed studies review. CANADA COMMUNICABLE DISEASE REPORT = RELEVE DES MALADIES TRANSMISSIBLES AU CANADA 2021; 47:105-125. [PMID: 33746619 PMCID: PMC7968477 DOI: 10.14745/ccdr.v47i02a03] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV testing is a core pillar of Canada's approach to sexually transmitted and blood-borne infection (STBBI) prevention and treatment and is critical to achieving the first Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) 90-90-90 target. Despite progress toward this goal, many Canadians remain unaware of their status and testing varies across populations and jurisdictions. An understanding of drivers of HIV testing is essential to improve access to HIV testing and reach the undiagnosed. OBJECTIVE To examine current barriers and facilitators of HIV testing across key populations and jurisdictions in Canada. METHODS A systematic mixed studies review of peer-reviewed and grey literature was conducted identifying quantitative and qualitative studies of barriers and facilitators to HIV testing in Canada published from 2009 to 2019. Studies were screened for inclusion and identified barriers and facilitators were extracted. The quality of included studies was assessed and results were summarized. RESULTS Forty-three relevant studies were identified. Common barriers emerge across key populations and jurisdictions, including difficulties accessing testing services, fear and stigma surrounding HIV, low risk perception, insufficient patient confidentiality and lack of resources for testing. Innovative practices that could facilitate HIV testing were identified, such as new testing settings (dental care, pharmacies, mobile units, emergency departments), new modalities (oral testing, peer counselling) and personalized sex/gender and age-based interventions and approaches. Key populations also face unique sociocultural, structural and legislative barriers to HIV testing. Many studies identified the need to offer a broad range of testing options and integrate testing within routine healthcare practices. CONCLUSION Efforts to improve access to HIV testing should consider barriers and facilitators at the level of the individual, healthcare provider and policy and should focus on the accessibility, inclusivity, convenience and confidentiality of testing services. In addition, testing services must be adapted to the unique needs and contexts of key populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudie Laprise
- Public Health Agency of Canada, Health Security and Infrastructure Branch, Public Health Capacity and Knowledge Management Unit, Québec Regional Office; Montréal, QC
| | - Clara Bolster-Foucault
- Public Health Agency of Canada, Health Security and Infrastructure Branch, Public Health Capacity and Knowledge Management Unit, Québec Regional Office; Montréal, QC
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Luz PM, Torres TS, Almeida-Brasil CC, Marins LMS, Veloso VG, Grinsztejn B, Cox J, Moodie EEM. High-Risk Sexual Behavior, Binge Drinking and Use of Stimulants are Key Experiences on the Pathway to High Perceived HIV Risk Among Men Who Have Sex with Men in Brazil. AIDS Behav 2021; 25:748-757. [PMID: 32940826 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-020-03035-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
In Brazil, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is currently available for gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men. As PrEP use depends on an individual's perceived risk, we explored pathways by which potentially modifiable behaviors lead to high perceived HIV risk. Using online surveys (N = 16,667), we conducted a path analysis on the basis of ordered sequences of multivariate logistic regressions. High perceived HIV risk was low (26.3%) compared to condomless receptive anal sex (41.4%). While younger age increased the odds of binge drinking and of condomless receptive anal sex, it was associated with decreased odds of high perceived HIV risk. In contrast, use of stimulants increased the odds of condomless receptive anal sex and of high perceived HIV risk. Our results suggest that binge drinking and use of stimulants are key points in different pathways to high-risk sexual behavior and may lead to different perceptions of HIV risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula M Luz
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Av. Brasil 4365, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, 21040-900, Brazil.
| | - Thiago S Torres
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Av. Brasil 4365, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, 21040-900, Brazil
| | | | - Luana M S Marins
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Av. Brasil 4365, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, 21040-900, Brazil
| | - Valdilea G Veloso
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Av. Brasil 4365, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, 21040-900, Brazil
| | - Beatriz Grinsztejn
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Av. Brasil 4365, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, 21040-900, Brazil
| | - Joseph Cox
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Canada
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Erica E M Moodie
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
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Han S, Hu Y, Wang L, Pei Y, Zhu Z, Qi X, Wu B. Perceived discrimination and mental health symptoms among persons living with HIV in China: the mediating role of social isolation and loneliness. AIDS Care 2020; 33:575-584. [PMID: 33233938 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2020.1847246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Perceived discrimination is significantly associated with mental health symptoms among persons living with HIV (PLWH). However, little is known about the factors mediating this relationship. We aimed to examine the mediating role of social isolation and loneliness in the association between perceived discrimination and mental health symptoms among PLWH. A multicenter (Shanghai, Kunming, Nanning, Hengyang, and Changning in China) cross-sectional study was conducted in 2017. Data from 883 PLWH were used for statistical analysis. Perceived discrimination, mental health symptoms, loneliness and social isolation were assessed through self-report questionnaires. Structural equation modeling (SEM) showed a satisfactory model fit (CMIN/DF = 2.676, GFI = 0.998, CFI = 0.997, NFI = 0.995, TLI = 0.985, RMSEA = 0.044 [0.000, 0.090]) and a significant total indirect effect (β = 0.058, SE = 0.009, Z = 6.444, p < 0.01). Both loneliness (β = 0.042, SE = 0.008, Z = -5.250, p < 0.01) and social isolation (β = 0.016, SE = 0.004, Z = -4.000, p < 0.01) were determined to be significant mediators of the association between perceived discrimination and mental health symptoms. Interventions that combat loneliness and social isolation may help ameliorate the adverse consequences of perceived discrimination on mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuyu Han
- School of Nursing, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Hu
- School of Nursing, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.,Fudan University Centre for Evidence-based Nursing: A Joanna Briggs Institute Centre of Excellence, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Lina Wang
- School of Medicine, Huzhou Central Hospital, Huzhou University, Huzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yaolin Pei
- Rory Meyers College of Nursing, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Zheng Zhu
- School of Nursing, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.,Fudan University Centre for Evidence-based Nursing: A Joanna Briggs Institute Centre of Excellence, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiang Qi
- Rory Meyers College of Nursing, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Bei Wu
- Rory Meyers College of Nursing, New York University, New York, NY, USA
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Mutanga O, Moen K. The push of stigma: a qualitative study on the experiences and consequences of sexuality stigma among same-sex attracted men in Harare, Zimbabwe. CULTURE, HEALTH & SEXUALITY 2020; 22:1269-1281. [PMID: 31661668 DOI: 10.1080/13691058.2019.1674920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2019] [Accepted: 09/27/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
This paper describes experiences of sexuality stigma among same-sex attracted men in Zimbabwe and analyses the consequences of such experiences for healthcare seeking. It draws on qualitative research carried out in Harare in 2017, which included in-depth interviews with sixteen gay and bisexual men, and key informant interviews with three representatives of organisations that work with gay men. There were numerous stories about sexuality stigma in the study participants´ social environments, including at home, in local communities and in healthcare facilities. We first offer a description of these and then go on to trace the implications of stigma on the relations between men who have sex with men on the one hand and the healthcare sector on the other. We conceive of stigma as a pushing force that exerts pressure on and in these relations, and identify five types of consequences of this. Stigma works to (1) produce geographical shifts in healthcare, (2) promote private over public care, (3) compartmentalise healthcare (with dedicated providers for queer persons), (4) deprofessionalise care, and (5) block access to appropriate healthcare altogether for some same-sex attracted men. Most of these consequences have negative implications for preventive or treatment-focused HIV programming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Mutanga
- Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Kåre Moen
- Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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Luz PM, Torres TS, Almeida-Brasil CC, Marins LMS, Bezerra DRB, Veloso VG, Grinsztejn B, Harel D, Thombs BD. Translation and validation of the Short HIV Stigma scale in Brazilian Portuguese. Health Qual Life Outcomes 2020; 18:322. [PMID: 33008400 PMCID: PMC7530962 DOI: 10.1186/s12955-020-01571-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV-related stigma, or the degree to which people living with HIV endorse negative stereotypes associated with HIV, is associated with poor continuum of care outcomes. We translated the 12-item Short HIV Stigma scale and evaluated its psychometric properties in a Brazilian context with regard to construct validity and reliability. METHODS The first step included translation, back-translation, evaluation, peer review, and pre-testing of the Short HIV Sigma scale developed by Reinius et al. (Health Qual Life Outcomes 15(1):115, 2017). The second step involved piloting the scale in three convenience samples of adults recruited online through advertisements on different platforms: Grindr (October/2019) and Hornet (February-March/2020), geospatial network apps for sexual encounters for gay, bisexuals and other men who have sex with men, and social media apps (Facebook and WhatsApp, October/2019). The psychometric evaluation included confirmatory factor analysis, differential item functioning using the Multiple-Indicator Multiple-Cause model, and correlations between subscale scores and antiretroviral treatment use and adherence. Reliability was assessed using Cronbach's alpha, and ordinal alpha and omega from the polychoric correlation matrix. RESULTS In total, 114, 164, and 1824 participants completed the measure items through Grindr, social media, and Hornet, respectively. We confirmed a 4-factor structure with factors for personalized stigma (3 items), disclosure concerns (3 items), concerns with public attitudes (3 items), and negative self-image (3 items). Small differential item functioning with respect to sample was found for one item ("I feel guilty because I have HIV"), which did not substantively influence estimates of latent factor scores. Grindr and Hornet's participants scored significantly higher than social media participants on all factors except personalized stigma. Higher subscale scores correlated with antiretroviral treatment use among participants from Hornet and with lower treatment adherence in participants from Grindr and Hornet. Reliability as measured by Cronbach's alpha, ordinal alpha and omega were 0.83, 0.88 and 0.93 for the entire scale. DISCUSSION The Brazilian Portuguese version of the Short HIV Stigma scale had satisfactory psychometric properties with present results suggesting that scores from different samples may be compared without concern that measurement differences substantively influence results though further studies with greater representation of women and heterosexual men are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula M Luz
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Av. Brasil 4365, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, 21040-900, Brazil.
| | - Thiago S Torres
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Av. Brasil 4365, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, 21040-900, Brazil
| | | | - Luana M S Marins
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Av. Brasil 4365, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, 21040-900, Brazil
| | - Daniel R B Bezerra
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Av. Brasil 4365, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, 21040-900, Brazil
| | - Valdilea G Veloso
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Av. Brasil 4365, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, 21040-900, Brazil
| | - Beatriz Grinsztejn
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Av. Brasil 4365, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, 21040-900, Brazil
| | - Daphna Harel
- Department of Applied Statistics, Social Science, and Humanities, New York University, New York, NY, USA.,Center for Practice and Research and the Intersection of Information, Society, and Methodology, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Brett D Thombs
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, Montréal, Québec, Canada.,Departments of Psychiatry; Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health; Medicine; Psychology; Educational and Counselling Psychology, and Biomedical Ethics Unit, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
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Lancaster KE, Hetrick A, Sripaipan T, Ha TV, Hutton HE, Chander G, Latkin CA, Dowdy D, Frangakis C, Quynh BX, Go VF. Alcohol abstinence stigma and alcohol use among HIV patients in Thai Nguyen, Vietnam. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0239330. [PMID: 32997688 PMCID: PMC7526924 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0239330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hazardous alcohol use is prevalent among people living with HIV (PWH), leading to sub-optimal HIV treatment outcomes. In Vietnam, alcohol use is highly normative making it socially challenging for PWH to reduce or abstain. We used mixed methods to develop a quantitative scale to assess alcohol abstinence stigma and examined the association between alcohol abstinence stigma with alcohol use among PWH in Vietnam. Methods We conducted qualitative interviews with 30 PWH with hazardous alcohol use from an antiretroviral therapy (ART) clinic in the Thai Nguyen to inform item development. Alcohol use was assessed using the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test. We tested items in a survey of 1,559 ART clinic patients to assess internal consistency and structural validity. We used log binomial modeling to estimate associations between any reported alcohol abstinence stigma and alcohol use. Results Using the results from the qualitative interview data, we developed the alcohol abstinence stigma scale with seven final items with scores ranging from 0 (no stigma) to 28 (high stigma). The scale had good internal consistency (α = 0.75). Exploratory factor analysis suggested the presence of three factors: internalized, experienced, and anticipated stigma that explained 56.9% of the total variance. The mean score was 2.74, (SD = 4.28) and 46% reported any alcohol abstinence stigma. We observed a dose-response relationship between alcohol abstinence stigma and alcohol use. PWH who reported any alcohol abstinence stigma had greater hazardous alcohol use (aPR = 1.32, 95% CI: 1.12, 1.56), harmful alcohol use (aPR = 2.26, 95% CI: 1.37, 3.72), and dependence symptoms (aPR = 3.81, 95% CI: 2.19, 6.64). Conclusion Alcohol abstinence stigma is associated with increased alcohol levels of alcohol use among PWH in Vietnam, signaling challenges for alcohol reduction. Consideration of alcohol abstinence stigma will be essential for the design of effective alcohol reduction interventions and policy efforts to prevent adverse health consequences of alcohol use among PWH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn E. Lancaster
- Division of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Angela Hetrick
- Division of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States of America
| | - Teerada Sripaipan
- Department of Health Behavior, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States of America
| | - Tran Viet Ha
- Department of Health Behavior, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States of America
| | - Heidi E. Hutton
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Geetanjali Chander
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- General Internal Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Carl A. Latkin
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - David Dowdy
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Constantine Frangakis
- Department of Biostatistics, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Bui Xuan Quynh
- The University of North Carolina Project in Vietnam, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Vivian F. Go
- Department of Health Behavior, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States of America
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Stigma among key populations living with HIV in the Dominican Republic: experiences of people of Haitian descent, MSM, and female sex workers. AIDS 2020; 34 Suppl 1:S43-S51. [PMID: 32881793 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000002642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE(S) To describe stigma among seropositive MSM, female sex workers (FSWs), and Haitian-descent individuals in the Dominican Republic, and to assess whether stigma is associated with HIV treatment outcomes. DESIGN Cross-sectional survey using Stigma Index 2.0. METHODS People living with HIV (PLHIV) interviewed seropositive adult MSM, FSWs, Haitian-descent persons, and other PLHIV who did not identify with these communities about experiences of social exclusion, harassment, stigma in healthcare settings, and internalized stigma. Bivariate analyses were conducted to compare experiences between FSWs and other women; MSM and other men; and Haitian-descent participants and non-Haitian PLHIV. Within each community, separate multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine the association between stigma experiences with viral suppression and with missed antiretroviral doses. RESULTS The 891 participants consisted of 154 MSM, 216 FSWs, 90 Haitian-descent persons, and 447 who did not identify with any of these three communities. Compared with other women, FSWs reported significantly higher levels of harassment due to their HIV status, and those of Haitian descent reported significantly lower levels of social exclusion compared with non-Haitian PLHIV. In adjusted analyses, MSM who experienced more stigma in HIV-specific services had a significantly lower odds of knowing they had undetectable viral load (adjusted odds ratio 0.37, P < 0.05). Higher internalized stigma scores were significantly associated with missing an antiretroviral treatment dose among FSWs (adjusted odds ratio 1.26, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION For FSWs and MSM, efforts to mitigate HIV-related stigma are necessary to improve treatment adherence and viral suppression. For Haitian-descent PLHIV, interventions must address not only their HIV-specific needs, but also the broader social and legal barriers to care.
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Lyons CE, Olawore O, Turpin G, Coly K, Ketende S, Liestman B, Ba I, Drame FM, Ndour C, Turpin N, Ndiaye SM, Mboup S, Toure-Kane C, Leye-Diouf N, Castor D, Diouf D, Baral SD. Intersectional stigmas and HIV-related outcomes among a cohort of key populations enrolled in stigma mitigation interventions in Senegal. AIDS 2020; 34 Suppl 1:S63-S71. [PMID: 32881795 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000002641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The current study aims to assess longitudinal differences in stigma and HIV outcomes among key populations at risk for and living with HIV. DESIGN Key populations enrolled into two parallel prospective cohorts; one for female sex workers and one for sexual and gender minorities (SGMs). Participants were recruited from three urban areas in Senegal; were followed for 24 months; and had the option to participate in an integrated stigma mitigation intervention. METHODS Participants included individuals both at risk for and living with HIV. Sociobehavioral questionnaires and biological HIV testing were administered every 3-4 months. Longitudinal analyses used nonparametric Chi-squared test for trends and multivariable logistic regression with generalized estimating equations. RESULTS 183 SGM and 192 sex workers were enrolled. Among SGM participants, 39.9% were living with HIV at baseline and incidence over 24 months was 3.21/100 person-years. Among sex workers, 36.6% were living with HIV at baseline and incidence was 1.32/100 person-years. Among SGM, perceived healthcare stigma (P < 0.001), anticipated healthcare stigma (P < 0.001), and perceived friend stigma (P = 0.047) reduced, but differed by HIV status for perceived [adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 3.51; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.75, 7.06] and anticipated healthcare stigmas (aOR: 2.85; 95% CI: 1.06-7.67). Among sex workers perceived healthcare stigma (P = 0.043) and perceived friend stigma (P = 0.006) reduced. Viral suppression increased among SGM (P = 0.028) and was associated with perceived (aOR: 2.87; 95% CI: 1.39-5.55) and enacted healthcare stigma (aOR: 0.42; 95% CI: 0.18-0.99). CONCLUSION Overall, there were decreases in stigmas observed but clear differences in stigma patterns by HIV status. These data highlight the need to consider specific strategies to address multiple intersecting stigmas as a means of improving HIV-related prevention and treatment outcomes among key populations with diverse identities.
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Augustinavicius JL, Baral SD, Murray SM, Jackman K, Xue QL, Sanchez TH, Nowak RG, Crowell TA, Zlotorzynska M, Olawore O, Lyons CE, Njindam IM, Tamoufe U, Diouf D, Drame F, Kouanda S, Kouame A, Charurat ME, Anato S, Mothopeng T, Mnisi Z, Kane JC. Characterizing Cross-Culturally Relevant Metrics of Stigma Among Men Who Have Sex With Men Across 8 Sub-Saharan African Countries and the United States. Am J Epidemiol 2020; 189:690-697. [PMID: 31942619 PMCID: PMC7608078 DOI: 10.1093/aje/kwz270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2019] [Revised: 11/29/2019] [Accepted: 12/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Overcoming stigma affecting gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM) is a foundational element of an effective response to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) pandemic. Quantifying the impact of stigma mitigation interventions necessitates improved measurement of stigma for MSM around the world. In this study, we explored the underlying factor structure and psychometric properties of 13 sexual behavior stigma items among 10,396 MSM across 8 sub-Saharan African countries and the United States using cross-sectional data collected between 2012 and 2016. Exploratory factor analyses were used to examine the number and composition of underlying stigma factors. A 3-factor model was found to be an adequate fit in all countries (root mean square error of approximation = 0.02-0.05; comparative fit index/Tucker-Lewis index = 0.97-1.00/0.94-1.00; standardized root mean square residual = 0.04-0.08), consisting of "stigma from family and friends," "anticipated health-care stigma," and "general social stigma," with internal consistency estimates across countries of α = 0.36-0.80, α = 0.72-0.93, and α = 0.51-0.79, respectively. The 3-factor model of sexual behavior stigma cut across social contexts among MSM in the 9 countries. These findings indicate commonalities in sexual behavior stigma affecting MSM across sub-Saharan Africa and the United States, which can facilitate efforts to track progress on global stigma mitigation interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jura L Augustinavicius
- Correspondence to Dr. Jura L. Augustinavicius, Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 624 N. Broadway, 7th Floor, Baltimore, MD 21205 (e-mail: )
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Characterizing the role of intersecting stigmas and sustained inequities in driving HIV syndemics across low-to-middle-income settings. Curr Opin HIV AIDS 2020; 15:243-249. [PMID: 32487815 DOI: 10.1097/coh.0000000000000630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW In 2020, key populations around the world still have disproportionate risks for HIV acquisition and experiencing HIV-related syndemics. This review presents current data around HIV-related syndemics among key populations globally, and on the role of intersecting stigmas in producing these syndemics in low-to-middle-income settings. RECENT FINDINGS Sex workers, sexual and gender minorities, prisoners, and people who use drugs experience high burdens of tuberculosis, sexually transmitted infections, viral hepatitis, and violence linked to heightened HIV-related risks or acquisition. Adverse sexual, reproductive, and mental health outcomes are also common and similarly amplify HIV acquisition and transmission risks, highlighting the need for psychosocial and reproductive health services for key populations. SUMMARY Achieving the promise of biomedical interventions to support HIV care and prevention requires action towards addressing syndemics of HIV, and the stigmas that reproduce them, among those most marginalized globally.
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Multiplicity of stigma: cultural barriers in anti-trafficking response. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HUMAN RIGHTS IN HEALTHCARE 2020. [DOI: 10.1108/ijhrh-07-2019-0056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
PurposeThe purpose of this study is to contribute to the social understanding of stigma as a societal and cultural barrier in the life of a survivor of human trafficking. The findings illustrate several ways where stigma is internal, interpersonal and societal and impacts survivors’ lives, including the care they receive.Design/methodology/approachThis study used qualitative methods. Data collection occurred during 2018 with efforts such as an online survey (n=45), focus groups (two focus groups of seven participants each) and phone interviews (n=6). This study used thematic analysis of qualitative data.FindingsThe research team found that a multiplicity of stigma occurred for the survivors of human trafficking, where stigma occurred across three levels from micro to meso to macro contexts. Using interpretive analysis, the researchers conceptualized how stigma is not singular; rather, it comprises the following: bias in access to care; barriers of shaming, shunning and othering; misidentification and mislabeling; multiple levels of furthering how survivors are deeply misunderstood and a culture of mistrust.Research limitations/implicationsWhile this study was conducted in a single US city, it provides an opportunity to create dialogue and appeal for more research that will contend with a lens of seeing a multiplicity of stigma regardless of the political climate of the context. It was a challenge to recruit survivors to participate in the study. However, survivor voices are present in this study and the impetus of the study’s focus was informed by survivors themselves. Finally, this study is informed by the perspectives of researchers who are not survivors; moreover, collaborating with survivor researchers at the local level was impossible because there were no known survivor researchers available to the team.Practical implicationsThere are clinical responses to the narratives of stigma that impact survivors’ lives, but anti-trafficking response must move beyond individualized expectations to include macro responses that diminish multiple stigmas. The multiplicity in stigmas has meant that, in practice, survivors are invisible at all levels of response from micro, meso to macro contexts. Therefore, this study offers recommendations for how anti-trafficking responders may move beyond a culture of stigma towards a response that addresses how stigma occurs in micro, meso and macro contexts.Social implicationsThe social implications of examining stigma as a multiplicity is central to addressing how stigma continues to be an unresolved issue in anti-trafficking response. Advancing the dynamic needs of survivors both in policy and practice necessitates responding to the multiple and overlapping forms of stigma they face in enduring and exiting exploitative conditions, accessing services and integrating back into the community.Originality/valueThis study offers original analysis of how stigma manifested for the survivors of human trafficking. Building on this dynamic genealogy of scholarship on stigma, this study offers a theory to conceptualize how survivors of human trafficking experience stigma: a multiplicity of stigma. A multiplicity of stigma extends existing research on stigma and human trafficking as occurring across three levels from micro, meso to macro contexts and creating a system of oppression. Stigma cannot be reduced to a singular form; therefore, this study argues that survivors cannot be understood as experiencing a singular form of stigma.
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Lyons CE, Schwartz SR, Murray SM, Shannon K, Diouf D, Mothopeng T, Kouanda S, Simplice A, Kouame A, Mnisi Z, Tamoufe U, Phaswana-Mafuya N, Cham B, Drame FM, Aliu Djaló M, Baral S. The role of sex work laws and stigmas in increasing HIV risks among sex workers. Nat Commun 2020; 11:773. [PMID: 32071298 PMCID: PMC7028952 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-14593-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2019] [Accepted: 01/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Globally HIV incidence is slowing, however HIV epidemics among sex workers are stable or increasing in many settings. While laws governing sex work are considered structural determinants of HIV, individual-level data assessing this relationship are limited. In this study, individual-level data are used to assess the relationships of sex work laws and stigmas in increasing HIV risk among female sex workers, and examine the mechanisms by which stigma affects HIV across diverse legal contexts in countries across sub-Saharan Africa. Interviewer-administered socio-behavioral questionnaires and biological testing were conducted with 7259 female sex workers between 2011-2018 across 10 sub-Saharan African countries. These data suggest that increasingly punitive and non-protective laws are associated with prevalent HIV infection and that stigmas and sex work laws may synergistically increase HIV risks. Taken together, these data highlight the fundamental role of evidence-based and human-rights affirming policies towards sex work as part of an effective HIV response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carrie E Lyons
- Center for Public Health and Human Rights, Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, 615 N Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
| | - Sheree R Schwartz
- Center for Public Health and Human Rights, Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, 615 N Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Sarah M Murray
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, Hampton House 624 N. Broadway 8th Floor, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Kate Shannon
- Centre for Gender & Sexual Health Equity, University of British Columbia, 1081 Burrard St, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Daouda Diouf
- Enda Santé, Senegal, 56 Cité Comico VDN, B.P, 3370, Dakar, Senegal
| | | | - Seni Kouanda
- Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, Institut Africain de Santé Publique, 12 BP 199, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | | | - Abo Kouame
- Ministère de la Sante et de l'Hygiène Publique, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Zandile Mnisi
- Health Research Department, Strategic Information Division, Ministry of Health, Cooper Centre Office 106, Mbabane, Eswatini
| | - Ubald Tamoufe
- Metabiota. Avenue Mvog-Fouda Ada, Av 1.085, Carrefour Intendance BP, 15939, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Nancy Phaswana-Mafuya
- DVC Research and Innovation Office, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, Private Bag X6001 Potchefstroom, 2520, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Bai Cham
- Actionaid, Banjul The Gambia, MDI Road, Kanifing South PMB 450, Serrekunda PO Box 725, Banjul, The Gambia
| | - Fatou M Drame
- Enda Santé, Senegal, 56 Cité Comico VDN, B.P, 3370, Dakar, Senegal
- Gaston Berger University, Department of Geography, School of Social Sciences. BP: 234 - Saint-Louis, Nationale 2, route de Ngallèle, St. Louis, Senegal
| | - Mamadú Aliu Djaló
- Enda Santé, Guiné-Bissau. Bairro Santa Luzia, Rua s/n, CP 1041, Bissau, Guinea-Bissau
| | - Stefan Baral
- Center for Public Health and Human Rights, Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, 615 N Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
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Wang Z, Grundy Q, Parker L, Bero L. Health promoter, advocate, legitimiser - the many roles of WHO guidelines: a qualitative study. Health Res Policy Syst 2019; 17:96. [PMID: 31805956 PMCID: PMC6896683 DOI: 10.1186/s12961-019-0489-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2019] [Accepted: 09/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Properly implemented evidence-based clinical and public health guidelines can improve patient outcomes. WHO has been a major contributor to guideline development, publishing more than 250 guidelines on various topics since 2008. However, well-developed guidelines can only be effective if they are adequately and appropriately implemented. Herein, we aimed to explore whether and how WHO guidelines are implemented in local contexts to inform the success of future guideline implementation. METHODS Seventeen interviews were carried out between March 2018 and December 2018 with WHO guideline developers, headquarter staff, and regional and country office staff. Participants were purposely sampled from a variety of WHO guidelines and snowball sampling was used to identify regional and country office staff. The deidentified transcripts were analysed through three phases of coding, using grounded theory as the analytic approach. RESULTS WHO guidelines played a variety of roles in the work of WHO at all levels. WHO officers and local government officials used WHO guidelines to influence health policy. We categorised the uses of guidelines as (1) directly changing policy, (2) justifying policy change, (3) engaging stakeholders, (4) being guarantors of legitimacy, (5) being advocacy tools, and (6) intertwining with WHO's various roles. Participants refuted the perception of the guidelines as mere lists of technical recommendations that needed to be implemented in different contexts. We found that the existence, quality and credibility, rather than the content of the guidelines, are the keys to health policy change initiatives in different local contexts. CONCLUSIONS Used as a guarantor of legitimacy by policy-makers, WHO guidelines can be better positioned to influence health policy and practice change. Understanding the various roles of guidelines can help WHO developers package guidelines to optimise their effective implementation. ETHICS This project was conducted with ethics approval from The University of Sydney (Project number: 2017/723) and WHO (Protocol ID: 00001).
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhicheng Wang
- Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney, Australia
| | - Quinn Grundy
- Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney, Australia
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Lisa Parker
- Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney, Australia
| | - Lisa Bero
- Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney, Australia
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Winiker AK, Tobin KE, Davey-Rothwell M, Latkin C. An examination of grit in black men who have sex with men and associations with health and social outcomes. JOURNAL OF COMMUNITY PSYCHOLOGY 2019; 47:1095-1104. [PMID: 30820988 PMCID: PMC7035469 DOI: 10.1002/jcop.22176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2018] [Revised: 01/07/2019] [Accepted: 02/13/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
AIMS This study sought to examine the prevalence and correlates of grit in a sample of Black men who have sex with men (BMSM) in Baltimore, Maryland. METHODS A trained research assistant administered the Short-Grit and Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression (CES-D) scales and surveyed participants of a community-based behavioral health intervention for demographic, health, and sexual behaviors. RESULTS Of 239 participants, two-thirds scored in the high grit category. A greater proportion of men with high grit demonstrated higher educational attainment, were employed in the prior 6 months, reported very good/excellent health, were human immunodeficiency virus-positive, scored < 16 on the CES-D, and had more friends who were gay. After controlling for other variables, high grit was associated with higher odds of having more friends who are gay and lower odds of alcohol use, unemployment, and a high CES-D score. CONCLUSIONS These findings demonstrate that grit could be an important mechanism upon which to focus health and behavioral interventions for BMSM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail K Winiker
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Karin E Tobin
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Melissa Davey-Rothwell
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Carl Latkin
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
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Grosso AL, Ketende SC, Stahlman S, Ky-Zerbo O, Ouedraogo HG, Kouanda S, Samadoulougou C, Lougue M, Tchalla J, Anato S, Dometo S, Nadedjo FD, Pitche V, Baral SD. Development and reliability of metrics to characterize types and sources of stigma among men who have sex with men and female sex workers in Togo and Burkina Faso. BMC Infect Dis 2019; 19:208. [PMID: 30832604 PMCID: PMC6399877 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-019-3693-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2017] [Accepted: 01/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Stigma is a multifaceted concept that potentiates Human Immunodeficiency Virus and sexually transmitted infection acquisition and transmission risks among key populations, including men who have sex with men (MSM) and female sex workers (FSW). Despite extensive stigma literature, limited research has characterized the types and sources of stigma reported by key populations in Sub-Saharan Africa. Methods This study leveraged data collected from 1356 MSM and 1383 FSW in Togo and Burkina Faso, recruited via respondent-driven sampling. Participants completed a survey instrument including stigma items developed through systematic reviews and synthesis of existing metrics. Using exploratory factor analysis with promax oblique rotation, 16 items were retained in a stigma metric for MSM and 20 in an FSW stigma metric. To assess the measures’ convergent validity, their correlations with expected variables were examined through bivariate logistic regression models. Results One factor, experienced stigma, included actions that were carried out by multiple types of perpetrators and included being arrested, verbally harassed, blackmailed, physically abused, tortured, or forced to have sex. Other factors were differentiated by source of stigma including healthcare workers, family and friends, or police. Specifically, stigma from healthcare workers loaded on two factors: experienced healthcare stigma included being denied care, not treated well, or gossiped about by healthcare workers and anticipated healthcare stigma included fear of or avoiding seeking healthcare. Stigma from family and friends included feeling excluded from family gatherings, gossiped about by family, or rejected by friends. Stigma from police included being refused police protection and items related to police confiscation of condoms. The Cronbach’s alpha ranged from 0.71–0.82. Median stigma scores, created for each participant by summing the number of affirmative responses to each stigma item, among MSM were highest in Ouagadougou and among FSW were highest in both Ouagadougou and Bobo-Dioulasso. Validation analyses demonstrated higher stigma was generally significantly associated with suicidal ideation, disclosure of involvement in sex work or same-sex practices, and involvement in organizations for MSM or FSW. Conclusions Taken together, these data suggest promising reliability and validity of metrics for measuring stigma affecting MSM and FSW in multiple urban centers across West Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley L Grosso
- Key Populations Program, Center for Public Health and Human Rights, Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 North Wolfe Street, 5th Floor, Baltimore, MD, USA. .,Research and Evaluation Unit, Public Health Solutions, 40 Worth Street, 5th Floor, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Sosthenes C Ketende
- Key Populations Program, Center for Public Health and Human Rights, Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 North Wolfe Street, 5th Floor, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Shauna Stahlman
- Key Populations Program, Center for Public Health and Human Rights, Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 North Wolfe Street, 5th Floor, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Odette Ky-Zerbo
- Programme d'Appui au Monde Associatif et Communautaire (PAMAC), 11 BP 1023, Avenue du Pr Joseph Ki-Zerbo, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | - Henri Gautier Ouedraogo
- Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé (IRSS), 03 BP 7192, Ouagadougou, 03, Burkina Faso
| | - Seni Kouanda
- Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé (IRSS), 03 BP 7192, Ouagadougou, 03, Burkina Faso
| | - Cesaire Samadoulougou
- Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé (IRSS), 03 BP 7192, Ouagadougou, 03, Burkina Faso
| | - Marcel Lougue
- Programme d'Appui au Monde Associatif et Communautaire (PAMAC), 11 BP 1023, Avenue du Pr Joseph Ki-Zerbo, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | | | | | | | | | - Vincent Pitche
- Conseil National de Lutte contre le SIDA et les IST, 01 BP 2237, Lomé, 01, Togo
| | - Stefan D Baral
- Key Populations Program, Center for Public Health and Human Rights, Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 North Wolfe Street, 5th Floor, Baltimore, MD, USA
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