“An Evil Lurking Behind You”: Drivers, Experiences, and Consequences of HIV–Related Stigma Among Men Who Have Sex With Men With HIV in Manila, Philippines

2018 ◽  
Vol 30 (4) ◽  
pp. 322-334 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexander C. Adia ◽  
Amiel Nazer C. Bermudez ◽  
Michael W. Callahan ◽  
Laufred I. Hernandez ◽  
Reynaldo H. Imperial ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
The Philippines ◽  
Internalized Stigma ◽  
Hiv Epidemic ◽  
Related Stigma ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Living With Hiv ◽  
Public Health Strategies ◽  
Influence Behavior

The Philippines has a rapidly growing HIV epidemic, with men who have sex with men (MSM) accounting for a majority of known cases. Currently, there is little understanding about MSM's experiences of HIV–related stigma in the Philippines and how they influence behavior and quality of life. Twenty-one interviews with MSM living with HIV and with communitybased organization workers were conducted in Manila from June to August 2017. MSM participants were affected by the intersection of HIV–related stigma and stigma toward homosexuality that are rooted in connotations of morality, “dirtiness,” and sin. We identified specific patterns by which MSM living with HIV experienced enacted, felt, and internalized stigma and discuss implications of stigma for mental health, delays in HIV testing, and avoidance of HIV health services. Findings support the development of public health strategies in the Philippines that address stigma at societal and individual levels to reduce stigma-related harms.

scholarly journals COVID-19 Pandemic Optimism and Vaccine Willingness among an Online Sample of US Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men Who Have Sex with Men

Vaccines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (7) ◽  
pp. 745
Author(s):  
Rob Stephenson ◽  
Stephen P. Sullivan ◽  
Renee A. Pitter ◽  
Alexis S. Hunter ◽  
Tanaka MD Chavanduka
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Three Dimensions ◽  
Vaccine Hesitancy ◽  
Binary Outcomes ◽  
Sex Partners ◽  
Black African ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Public Health Messages ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Living With Hiv

This paper presents data from an online sample of U.S gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM), to explore the factors associated with three dimensions of vaccine beliefs: perception of the likelihood of a COVID-19 vaccine becoming available, perception of when a COVID-19 vaccine would become available, and the likelihood of taking a COVID-19 vaccine. Data are taken from the Love and Sex in the Time of COVID-19 study, collected from November 2020 to January 2021. A sample of 290 GBMSM is analyzed, modeling three binary outcomes: belief that there will be a COVID-19 vaccine, belief that the COVID-19 vaccine will be available in 6 months, and being very likely to take the COVID-19 vaccine. In contrast to other studies, Black/African Americans and GBMSM living with HIV had higher levels of pandemic optimism and were more likely to be willing to accept a vaccine. Men who perceived a higher prevalence of COVID-19 among their friends and sex partners, and those who had reduced their sex partners, were more likely to be willing to take a COVID-19 vaccine. There remained a small percentage of participants (14%) who did not think the pandemic would end, that there would not be a vaccine and were unlikely to take a vaccine. To reach the levels of vaccination necessary to control the pandemic, it is imperative to understand the characteristics of those experiencing vaccine hesitancy and then tailor public health messages to their unique set of barriers and motivations.

scholarly journals The role of unintended pregnancy in internalized stigma among women living with HIV in Kenya

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara Chace Dwyer ◽  
Aparna Jain ◽  
Wilson Liambila ◽  
Charlotte E. Warren
Keyword(s):  
Unintended Pregnancy ◽  
Hiv Treatment ◽  
Outcome Variable ◽  
Internalized Stigma ◽  
Health Seeking ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
Stigma And Discrimination ◽  
Women Living With Hiv ◽  
Related Stigma ◽  
Living With Hiv

Abstract Background Kenya has successfully expanded HIV treatment, but HIV-related stigma and discrimination, and unintended pregnancy remain issues for many Kenyan women living with HIV. While HIV-related stigma can influence the health seeking behaviors of those living with HIV, less is known about how reproductive health outcomes influence internalized stigma among women living with HIV. Methods Baseline data only were used in this analysis and came from an implementation science study conducted in Kenya from 2015 to 2017. The analytic sample was limited to 1116 women who are living with HIV, between 18 to 44 years old, and have ever experienced a pregnancy. The outcome variable was constructed from 7 internalized stigma statements and agreement with at least 3 statements was categorized as medium/high levels of internalized stigma. Unintended pregnancy, categorized as unintended if the last pregnancy was mistimed or unwanted, was the key independent variable. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to assess the association between unintended pregnancy and internalized stigma. Associations between internalized stigma and HIV-related discrimination and violence/abuse were also explored. Results About 48% agreed with at least one internalized stigma statement and 19% agreed with at least three. Over half of women reported that their last pregnancy was unintended (59%). Within the year preceding the survey, 52% reported experiencing discrimination and 41% reported experiencing violence or abuse due to their HIV status. Women whose last pregnancy was unintended were 1.6 times (95% CI 1.2–2.3) more likely to have medium/high levels of internalized stigma compared to those whose pregnancy was wanted at the time, adjusting for respondents’ characteristics, experiences of discrimination, and experiences of violence and abuse. Women who experienced HIV-related discrimination in the past 12 months were 1.8 times (95% CI 1.3–2.6) more likely to have medium/high levels of internalized stigma compared to those who experienced no discrimination. Conclusions Results suggest that unintended pregnancy is associated with internalized stigma. Integrated HIV and FP programs in Kenya should continue to address stigma and discrimination while increasing access to comprehensive voluntary family planning services for women living with HIV.

scholarly journals An Exploratory Study of Resilience, HIV-Related Stigma, and HIV Care Outcomes Among Men who have Sex with Men (MSM) Living with HIV in Louisiana

2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (7) ◽  
pp. 2119-2129 ◽  
Author(s):  
Russell Brewer ◽  
Kristina B. Hood ◽  
Mary Moore ◽  
Andrew Spieldenner ◽  
Chris Daunis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Exploratory Study ◽  
Hiv Care ◽  
Related Stigma ◽  
Care Outcomes ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Living With Hiv

Quality of Life in People Living With HIV: An Exploratory Cross-Sectional Survey in Belgium

2021 ◽  
Vol 33 (3) ◽  
pp. 249-264
Author(s):  
Gert Scheerder ◽  
Sandra Van den Eynde ◽  
Patrick Reyntiens ◽  
Ria Koeck ◽  
Jessika Deblonde ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Sexual Life ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Related Stigma ◽  
Living With Hiv ◽  
The Impact

This cross-sectional survey explored the quality of life in 505 people living with HIV in Belgium. Several domains of quality of life were impaired: 26% had been diagnosed with depression and 43% had weak social support. HIV-related stigma is still widespread, with 49% believing most people with HIV are rejected and 65% having experienced discrimination due to HIV. The impact of HIV was limited on professional life, but 40% experienced a negative impact on life satisfaction and 41% a negative impact on sexual life. For several domains, people with a recent diagnosis of HIV and long-term survivors had significantly worse scores. This survey also uncovered strengths of people living with HIV, such as positive coping and HIV self-image. Expanding the scope of quality of life in people living with HIV may provide a more complete picture of relevant life domains that may be impacted by living with HIV, but this needs further validation.

scholarly journals Burden of HIV-Related Stigma and Post-Partum Depression: A Cross-Sectional Study of Patients Attending Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission Clinic at Kenyatta National Hospital in Nairobi

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Obadia Yator ◽  
Muthoni Mathai ◽  
Tele Albert ◽  
Manasi Kumar
Keyword(s):  
Postpartum Depression ◽  
Post Partum ◽  
Internalized Stigma ◽  
Child Transmission ◽  
National Hospital ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Women Living With Hiv ◽  
Related Stigma ◽  
Living With Hiv ◽  
Mother To Child

Background: We look at how various HIV-related stigma subtypes, especially internalizing types, interact with postpartum depression (PPD) among women living with HIV. Additionally, we identify key psychosocial risk factors that influence stigma and PPD among women attending Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) clinics.Methods: In this cross-sectional design, 123 women living with HIV were recruited. Participants ages between 18 and 50, who were at least 8 weeks postpartum seeking PMTCT services at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), between June and September 2014 participated in the study. HIV/AIDS Stigma Instrument—PLWHA (HASI–P) was used to assesses stigma and Postpartum depression was assessed by Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). Bivariate and multivariate regression models were used to determine the individual characteristics associated with the HIV-related stigma Scale. Post survey a few in-depth-interviews were conducted to explore individuals' stigma and depression experiences.Results: The mean age was 31.2 years (SD = 5.2). Fifty-nine (48%) women screened positive for significant depressive symptoms. Post-partum depression was a significant predictor of internalized stigma, enacted, and total stigma (P < 0.05). Older age was associated with less internalized stigma. Living with a partner was associated with more internalized stigma. Having an income above 100 USD per month was protective against stigma. Having good family social support was protective against internalized stigma. A higher educational level was protective against enacted stigma. Being treated for STIs was a risk factor for both enacted and overall stigma.Conclusions: HIV-related stigma needs to be addressed through integrated mental health care programs in PMTCT. Postpartum depression requires comprehensive management to improve short- and long-term outcomes of women living with HIV.

Leveraging a Legacy of Activism: Black Lives Matter and the Future of HIV Prevention for Black MSM

2018 ◽  
Vol 30 (3) ◽  
pp. 208-212
Author(s):  
Derrick D. Matthews
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
The United States ◽  
Aids Education ◽  
Black Msm ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Black Lives Matter ◽  
Aids Epidemic ◽  
Hiv Epidemic ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Living With Hiv

This year marks the 30th anniversary of AIDS Education and Prevention. As we approach the United Nations goal of ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030, it is a useful time to reflect on and learn from history. In the United States, no such endeavor can be successful without addressing the specific context of Black men who have sex with men. In this commentary I highlight factors that led us to a state in which Black MSM represent approximately a quarter of all people living with HIV in the United States. I also look back at the power of activism during the beginning of the HIV epidemic. Using Black Lives Matter as a contemporary framework, I highlight natural linkages between activism 30 years ago, its incarnation and relationship to public health today, and its promise as the way forward in achieving the elimination of AIDS for Black MSM by 2030.

scholarly journals Probiotics and constipation: mechanisms of action, evidence for effectiveness and utilisation by patients and healthcare professionals

2019 ◽  
Vol 79 (1) ◽  
pp. 147-157 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eirini Dimidi ◽  
S. Mark Scott ◽  
Kevin Whelan
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Chronic Constipation ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Mechanisms Of Action ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Present Evidence ◽  
The Public ◽  
Considerable Impact ◽  
Public Health Strategies

The aim of this narrative review is to assess and present evidence on the mechanisms of action of probiotics in constipation, their effectiveness and their utilisation by patients and healthcare professionals. Chronic constipation is a common bothersome disorder that has a considerable impact on patients' quality of life. Probiotics have been increasingly investigated for their effectiveness in various disorders, including chronic constipation. Probiotics may affect gut motility and constipation through their impact on the gut microbiota and fermentation, the central and enteric nervous system and the immune system. However, evidence for the effectiveness of probiotics in the management of constipation remains varied, with some strains demonstrating improvements, while others show no effect. Despite the uncertainty in evidence and the fact that the majority of healthcare professionals do not recommend probiotics for constipation, an increased prevalence of probiotic use by people with constipation has been shown. Therefore, there is a need for public health strategies to inform the public about where strong evidence of probiotic effectiveness exist, and where evidence is still weak. Education of healthcare professionals on the increased utilisation of probiotics for constipation by the public and on current evidence for the effectiveness of specific strains is also required.

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