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Martins N, Soares D, Gusmao C, Nunes M, Abrantes L, Valadares D, Marcal S, Mali M, Alves L, Martins J, da Silva V, Ward PR, Fauk NK. A qualitative exploration of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on gender-based violence against women living with HIV or tuberculosis in Timor Leste. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0306106. [PMID: 39133682 PMCID: PMC11318865 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0306106] [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: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Violence against women or gender-based violence (GBV) is a significant public health issue facing women and girls in different settings. It is reported to have worsened globally during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on increased violence against women in general, which has been reported in many settings globally, there is a paucity of evidence of its impact on violence against highly vulnerable women living with HIV or tuberculosis (TB). Using a qualitative design, this study aimed to explore the views and experiences of women living with HIV (n = 19) or TB (n = 23) in Timor Leste regarding the GBV they faced during the COVID-19 pandemic. They were recruited using the snowballing sampling technique. Data were collected using one-on-one, in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. The five steps of qualitative data analysis suggested in Ritchie and Spencer's analysis framework were employed to guide the analysis of the findings. Findings indicated that women in this study experienced intensified physical, verbal, sexual and psychological violence by their partners, spouses, in-laws, and parents or other family members during the COVID-19 pandemic. Several prominent risk factors that worsened violence against women during the pandemic were (i) HIV or TB-positive status, (ii) traditional gender roles or responsibilities and expectations, (iii) economic and financial difficulties reflected in the loss of jobs and incomes due to the pandemic, and (iv) individual factors such as jealousy and increased alcohol drinking developed during the lockdowns. The women's experience of GBV during the pandemic also led to various negative psychological impacts. The findings underscore the urgent need for multifaceted interventions to address GBV, which should encompass challenging traditional gender norms, addressing economic inequalities, and targeting individual-level risk factors. The findings also indicate the need for the development of robust monitoring and evaluation systems to assess the effectiveness of policies and interventions addressing GBV where the results can inform future improvement. The findings also indicate the need to include GBV in the protocol or guidelines for HIV and TB management. Future large-scale quantitative studies to capture the magnitude and specific drivers of GBV against women living with HIV and TB during the pandemic are recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nelson Martins
- Daslo Research and Development, Timor Leste
- Universidade da Paz (UNPAZ), Timor Leste
- Menzies School of Health Research, Darwin, NT, Australia
| | - Domingos Soares
- Instituto Nacional de Saúde Publica Timor-Leste (INSP-TL), Ministry of Health Timor-Leste
- Instituto Superior Cristal, Timor Leste
| | - Caetano Gusmao
- Instituto Nacional de Saúde Publica Timor-Leste (INSP-TL), Ministry of Health Timor-Leste
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Luis Alves
- Daslo Research and Development, Timor Leste
| | | | - Valente da Silva
- Daslo Research and Development, Timor Leste
- Universidade da Paz (UNPAZ), Timor Leste
| | - Paul Russell Ward
- Centre for Public Health, Equity and Human Flourishing, Torrens University Australia, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Nelsensius Klau Fauk
- Centre for Public Health, Equity and Human Flourishing, Torrens University Australia, Melbourne, Australia
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Yuan GF, Tam CC, Yang X, Qiao S, Li X, Shen Z, Zhou Y. Associations Between Internalized and Anticipated HIV Stigma and Depression Symptoms Among People Living with HIV in China: A four-wave Longitudinal Model. AIDS Behav 2023; 27:4052-4061. [PMID: 37392272 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-023-04119-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023]
Abstract
Previous research has documented that HIV-related stigma (e.g., internalized and anticipated stigma) is detrimental to the mental health of people living with HIV (PLWH). However, longitudinal data on the bidirectional relationship between HIV-related stigma and depression symptoms are limited. The purpose of this study was to examine the bidirectional association among internalized and anticipated HIV stigma and depression symptoms among Chinese PLWH. A four-wave longitudinal design (6 months intervals) was employed among 1,111 Chinese PLWH (Mage = 38.58, SD = 9.16, age range: 18-60 years; 64.1% men). The bidirectional model was examined using a random-intercept cross-lagged panel model (RI-CLPM), which evaluated the within- and between-person effects of study variables. At the within-person level, results indicated that depression symptoms at T2 mediated the linkage between internalized HIV stigma at T1 and anticipated HIV stigma at T3, and that anticipated HIV stigma at both T2 and T3 mediated the relationship between depression symptoms at the previous time point and internalized HIV stigma at the subsequent time point. Furthermore, a bidirectional association was found between anticipated HIV stigma and depression symptoms across four waves. At the between-person level, internalized and anticipated HIV stigma were significantly associated with depression symptoms. This study highlights the complex interplay between different forms of HIV-related stigma and mental health problems among PLWH and underscores the importance of considering the bidirectional relationship between the development of psychopathology and stigmatization process in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangzhe Frank Yuan
- Department of Health Promotion Education and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA.
- South Carolina SmartState Center for Healthcare Quality, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA.
| | - Cheuk Chi Tam
- Department of Health Promotion Education and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
- South Carolina SmartState Center for Healthcare Quality, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
| | - Xueying Yang
- Department of Health Promotion Education and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
- South Carolina SmartState Center for Healthcare Quality, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
| | - Shan Qiao
- Department of Health Promotion Education and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
- South Carolina SmartState Center for Healthcare Quality, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
| | - Xiaoming Li
- Department of Health Promotion Education and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
- South Carolina SmartState Center for Healthcare Quality, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
| | - Zhiyong Shen
- Guangxi Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanning, China
| | - Yuejiao Zhou
- Guangxi Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanning, China
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Asrina A, Ikhtiar M, Idris FP, Adam A, Alim A. Community stigma and discrimination against the incidence of HIV and AIDS. J Med Life 2023; 16:1327-1334. [PMID: 38107709 PMCID: PMC10719780 DOI: 10.25122/jml-2023-0171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The problem of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) /acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is increasingly complex, including not only health-related concerns problems but also rampant stigma and discrimination, further exacerbating the health and social conditions of the affected individuals. This study aimed to examine the triggers of stigma and discrimination among individuals with HIV/AIDS in Wakatobi, Southeast Sulawesi. We employed a quasi-qualitative design with a case study approach involving data reduction, presentation, and drawing conclusions. Triggers of stigma and discrimination experienced by individuals living with HIV/AIDS encompassed a range of factors. Stigma was rooted in various causes, including fear, perceptions of unattractiveness, anxiety, associations with the disease, and lack of confidentiality. Discrimination, on the other hand, was caused by disappointment, feelings of insecurity, diminished self-esteem, and factors like competition and exploitation. The forms of stigma for people living with HIV/AIDS were public stigma, self-stigma, verbal discrimination, and avoidance. Meanwhile, the impact of stigma and discrimination on individuals living with HIV and AIDS is substantial. They encounter difficulties in finding help, restoring their lives, and discrimination. Stigmatizing attitudes and discriminatory acts of people living with HIV/AIDS worsen the quality of life of people living with HIV/AIDS, which can potentially cause new infections. Therefore, the government should undertake extensive educational initiatives regarding HIV and AIDS. By enhancing public knowledge and awareness, society can work towards eradicating stigma and discrimination from social interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andi Asrina
- Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Muslim Indonesia, Makassar, Indonesia
| | - Muhammad Ikhtiar
- Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Muslim Indonesia, Makassar, Indonesia
| | | | - Arlin Adam
- Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Pejuang Republik Indonesia, Makassar, Indonesia
| | - Andi Alim
- Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Pejuang Republik Indonesia, Makassar, Indonesia
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Fauk NK, Gesesew HA, Mwanri L, Hawke K, Ward PR. Understanding the quality of life of people living with HIV in rural and urban areas in Indonesia. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0280087. [PMID: 37440559 PMCID: PMC10343063 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0280087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a major global public health issue that affects the quality of life (QoL) of people living with HIV (PLHIV) globally and in Indonesia. As a part of a large-scale qualitative study investigating HIV risk factors and impacts on PLHIV and facilitators of and barriers to their access to HIV care services in Yogyakarta and Belu, Indonesia, this paper describes their in-depth views and experiences of the influence of HIV on their QoL. Ninety-two participants were recruited using the snowball sampling technique. Data were collected using in-depth interviews. In addition, the World Health Organisation Quality of Life questionnaire (WHOQOL-HIV BREF) was also distributed to each of them to fill out prior to the interviews. Chi-Square analysis was used to analyse data from the survey and a framework analysis was applied to guide qualitative data analysis. The findings reported several factors affecting the QoL of the participants. These included (i) environmental factors, such as living in rural areas, the unavailability of HIV care services and public transport, and long-distance travel to healthcare facilities; (ii) personal beliefs associated with HIV; (iii) sexual and social relationships and their influence of the QoL of participants; and (iv) level of independence and physical health condition following HIV diagnosis. The findings indicate the need for intervention programs that address the availability and accessibility of HIV care services to PLHIV within rural communities and support various physical, psychological, and financial needs of PLHIV. These can be implemented by providing supplements and nutritious food, HIV counselling and door-to-door/community-based ART service delivery to PLHIV, which may increase their engagement in and adherence to the treatment and improve their physical and psychological condition and QoL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nelsensius Klau Fauk
- Research Centre for Public Health Policy, Torrens University Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Institute of Resource Governance and Social Change, Kupang, Nusa Tenggara Timur, Indonesia
| | - Hailay Abrha Gesesew
- Research Centre for Public Health Policy, Torrens University Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- College of Health Sciences, Mekelle University, Mekelle, Tigray, Ethiopia
| | - Lillian Mwanri
- Research Centre for Public Health Policy, Torrens University Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Karen Hawke
- Infectious Disease—Aboriginal Health, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Paul Russell Ward
- Research Centre for Public Health Policy, Torrens University Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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Camellia A, Swandari P, Rahma G, Merati TP, Bakta IM, Duarsa DP. A Peer-support Mini-counseling Model to Improve Treatment in HIV-positive Pregnant Women in Kupang City, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia. J Prev Med Public Health 2023; 56:238-247. [PMID: 37287201 PMCID: PMC10248100 DOI: 10.3961/jpmph.22.516] [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: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Low adherence to antiretroviral (ARV) therapy in pregnant women with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) increases the risk of virus transmission from mother to newborn. Increasing mothers' knowledge and motivation to access treatment has been identified as a critical factor in prevention. Therefore, this research aimed to explore barriers and enablers in accessing HIV care and treatment services. METHODS This research was the first phase of a mixed-method analysis conducted in Kupang, a remote city in East Nusa Tenggara Province, Indonesia. Samples were taken by purposive sampling of 17 people interviewed, consisting of 6 mothers with HIV, 5 peer facilitators, and 6 health workers. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, observations, and document review. Inductive thematic analysis was also performed. The existing data were grouped into several themes, then relationships and linkages were drawn from each group of informants. RESULTS Barriers to accessing care and treatment were lack of knowledge about the benefits of ARV; stigma from within and the surrounding environment; difficulty in accessing services due to distance, time, and cost; completeness of administration; drugs' side effects; and the quality of health workers and HIV services. CONCLUSIONS There was a need for a structured and integrated model of peer support to improve ARV uptake and treatment in pregnant women with HIV. This research identified needs including mini-counseling sessions designed to address psychosocial barriers as an integrated approach to support antenatal care that can effectively assist HIV-positive pregnant women in improving treatment adherence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Artha Camellia
- Department of Health, UNICEF Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Plamularsih Swandari
- Department of Research and Community Centre, AIDS Research Center, Atmajaya University, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Gusni Rahma
- Department of Public Health, STIKes Alifah Padang, Padang, Indonesia
| | - Tuti Parwati Merati
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Udayana University, Denpasar, Indonesia
| | - I Made Bakta
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Udayana University, Denpasar, Indonesia
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