scholarly journals Views on HIV Disclosure Among Older Adults Living With HIV Who Are Childhood Sexual Abuse Survivors

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 339-339
Author(s):  
Monique Brown ◽  
Titilayo James ◽  
Chigozie Nkwonta ◽  
Amandeep Kaur

Abstract Rates of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) among people living with HIV are twice the CSA estimates among the general population. These statistics suggest that CSA prevalence may range from 16-22% among older adults living HIV (OALH). HIV disclosure continues to be a key consideration among people living with HIV. However, studies examining the views on HIV disclosure among OALH who are CSA survivors are lacking. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore the views on HIV disclosure among OALH who are CSA survivors using a qualitative approach. Twenty-four adults aged 50-67 years, living with HIV and with a CSA history participated in the study. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted, audio-recorded and were analyzed using thematic analysis. The iterative analytic process included discussion of initial thoughts and key concepts, identification and reconciliation of codes, and naming of emergent themes. Three themes emerged: “You don’t have to tell the person if it’s just casual sex”, “Nothing ought to be hidden especially when you get ready to engage in sex”, and “As for me, I don’t disclose”. Views on HIV disclosure among OALH varied. Some participants stated that disclosure of HIV status should be dependent on the type of sexual relationship, while some OALH stated that participants should disclose regardless of type of relationship. Some participants were hesitant to disclose their HIV status due to anticipated HIV-related stigma. Understanding the perspectives on HIV disclosure among OALH with a CSA history may help to inform disclosure intervention programs for this vulnerable population.

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S715-S715
Author(s):  
Chigozie A Nkwonta ◽  
Monique Brown ◽  
Titilayo James ◽  
Amandeep Kaur

Abstract Background Intersectional stigma is based upon co-occurring and intersecting identities or conditions and occurs at multiple levels of influence. Intersectional stigma has been repeatedly associated with poor health behaviors and outcomes. The effect of intersectional stigma among older adults are particularly challenging due to issues related to ageism, loss of social support, and comorbidities. We examined the impact of multiple stigmas on older adults living with HIV who are victims of childhood sexual abuse. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a purposefully selected heterogeneous sample of 24 adults living with HIV who are 50 years and older in South Carolina. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and coded using thematic analysis. Results Participants shared experiences and perceptions of stigma and discrimination most commonly related to their HIV status and sexuality at the interpersonal/familial and community levels. Four themes emerged to explain the impact of intersectional stigma: depression, lack of HIV disclosure, limited support, and reduced intimacy. Conclusion The complexity of multiple stigmas profoundly shapes life experiences, opportunities, and mental health of older adults living with HIV. This study highlights that public health programs need to consider the impact of intersectional stigma in order to promote the wellbeing of and improve quality of life for older adults living with HIV. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures


Author(s):  
Chia-Hui Yu ◽  
Chu-Yu Huang ◽  
Nai-Ying Ko ◽  
Heng-Hsin Tung ◽  
Hui-Man Huang ◽  
...  

People living with HIV (PLWH) face social stigma which makes disclosure of HIV status difficult. The purpose of this descriptive qualitative study was to understand the lived experiences of stigmatization in the process of disease disclosure among PLWH in Taiwan. Analysis of the semi-structured interviews from 19 PLWH in Taiwan revealed two phases and six themes. Phase one “experiences before disclosure” involved three themes: “Struggles under the pressure of concealing the HIV Status,” “Torn between fear of unemployment/isolation and desire to protect closed ones,” and “Being forced to disclose the HIV status.” Phase two “experiences after disclosure” included three themes: “Receiving special considerations and requirements from school or work,” “Receiving differential treatments in life and when seeking medical care,” and “Stress relief and restart.” Healthcare professionals need to assess stigmatization in PLWH and develop individualized approaches to assist with the disease disclosure process.


Author(s):  
Jureeporn Jantarapakde ◽  
Chitsanu Pancharoen ◽  
Somsong Teeratakulpisarn ◽  
Pornpen Mathajittiphan ◽  
Rosalin Kriengsinyot ◽  
...  

Disclosure of HIV status to family members could improve communication, relationship, and cohesion. We evaluated the impact of a family-centered program designed to increase the readiness/willingness of parents to disclose HIV status to their children. People living with HIV (PLWH) with children ≥8 years were surveyed regarding HIV knowledge, family relationship, attitudes, willingness/readiness to disclose, and they were then invited to participate in group education and family camps. Of 367 PLWH surveyed, 0.8% had disclosed, 14.7% had not yet disclosed but were willing/ready to disclose, 50.4% were willing but not ready, and 33.2% did not wish to disclose. The educational sessions and camps led to significant improvements of HIV knowledge and disclosure techniques, and readiness/willingness to disclose. Given the benefits of group education and family camps in supporting PLWH to improve their communication with their families and disclose their HIV status, these supporting activities should be included in HIV programs.


2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 423-424
Author(s):  
Monique Brown

Abstract Antiretroviral therapy, higher education, and HIV disclosure have been linked to improved quality of life (QoL) among people living with HIV. However, research examining psychosocial risk factors of QoL among older adults living with HIV (OALH) is lacking. Therefore, the main aim of this study was to examine the psychosocial risk factors of QoL among OALH. Data were obtained from 156 adults aged 50 and older living with HIV in South Carolina. Multivariable regression models adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics were used to determine the association between psychosocial risk factors and QoL domains among OALH. Stigma was associated with the physical (β=0.058, p=0.023), social (β=-0.149, p=0.006), and spiritual (β=0.124, p=<0.001) domains. Resilience was associated with the psychological (β=0.206, p=<0.001), independence (β=0.100, p=0.010), social (β=0.166, p=0.004), and environmental (β=0.312 p=<0.001) domains. Depression and experiencing trauma were also associated with varying QoL domains. Findings may inform interventions geared towards improving QoL among OALH.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Amal Ben Moussa ◽  
Rosemary M. Delabre ◽  
Virginie Villes ◽  
Mohammed Elkhammas ◽  
Aziza Bennani ◽  
...  

Abstract Background HIV-related stigma and discrimination constitute a barrier to different intervention programs. Unlike external stigma, internal stigma is not well explored in in the Middle East and North African countries, while grasping this particular form of stigma is essential to limit its effects. The present study aims to measure internal stigma effects and to identify factors associated with this kind of stigma not yet documented among people living with HIV (PLHIV) in Morocco. Methods The PLHIV Stigma Index questionnaire (adapted and translated into French and Moroccan Arabic dialect “darija”) was used to collect information regarding the stigma and discrimination experienced by PLHIV across 8 cities in Morocco (September–October 2016). A randomly drawn cluster of 10 PLHIV, consisting of 5 men and 5 women, was drawn at each participating medical care center to achieve a nationally representative sample of PLHIV. Fifteen interviewers living with HIV and five supervisors were selected and trained to administer the questionnaire. An internal stigma score (range: 0–7), was calculated based on seven negative feelings/ beliefs. Negative binomial regression was used to identify characteristics associated with the internal stigma score. Results Among 626 PLHIV, internal stigma was reported by 88.2%. The median [IQR] internal stigma score was 4 [2–5]. Regarding internal stigma, 51% avoided going to the local clinic when needed and 44% chose not to attend social gatherings. Belonging to at least one key population (aIRR [95%CI] = 1.15 [1.03; 1.28]), experiencing discriminatory reactions from family following HIV status disclosure (1.28 [1.11; 1.49]), avoiding HIV services for fear of stigmatization by staff (1.16 [1.05; 1.28]) and being denied health services because of HIV status (1.16 [1.03;1.32]), are among the factors significantly associated with an increase of the internal stigma score. Conclusions Internal stigma is high among Moroccan PLHIV and significantly impacting their life decisions and their healthcare access. Multi-level interventions are needed to address internal stigma experienced by PLHIV in Morocco.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 50-58
Author(s):  
Tutur Irfantoro ◽  
Dwi Kartika Rukmi

Background: Victory Plus Foundation is a Non-Government Organization that helps the population directly affected by HIV/AIDS in Yogyakarta. Status disclosure’s research on People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in Victory Plus Foundation is scarce. Even though the status disclosure is one of HIV spreading prevention, it has two-sided effects, both negative and positive, so its result can affect the quality of life despite PLWHA having tried to find a support system. Therefore, it is essential to know how the quality of life of PLWHA has opened up their status.Purpose: This study aimed to determine the relationship between HIV status disclosure and the quality of life of PLWHA in the Victory Plus Foundation, Yogyakarta.Method: This descriptive-analytic correlation study with a cross-sectional approach was conducted in June-July 2019 on 68 PLWHA at the Victory Plus Foundation. Purposively, samples were asked to fill out a disclosure questionnaire and WHOQOL-BREF. Univariate data presented in descriptions and Chi-Square tested bivariate data.Result: Most of the HIV status disclosure of PLWHA in the Victory Plus foundation was classified into a moderate category (77.9%) and low quality of life (64 %). The bivariate test result found a significant relationship between the HIV status disclosures with the quality of life in general (p = 0.001) with a moderate relationship closeness (r=0.403).Conclusion: Consequently, there is a relationship between the HIV status disclosures with the quality of life of PLWHA in the Victory Plus Foundation in Yogyakarta.


2021 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Monique J. Brown ◽  
Chigozie A. Nkwonta ◽  
Amandeep Kaur ◽  
Titilayo James ◽  
Mohammad Rifat Haider ◽  
...  

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