scholarly journals A Qualitative Examination of Perceived Stigma and its Sources Among Adolescents Living With HIV in Western Kenya

2022 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
pp. 2333794X2110653
Author(s):  
Grant Callen ◽  
Ashley Chory ◽  
Festus Sang ◽  
Dennis Munyoro ◽  
Josephine Aluoch ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hiv Stigma ◽  
Qualitative Investigation ◽  
Perceived Stigma ◽  
Western Kenya ◽  
Common Cause ◽  
School Settings ◽  
Related Stigma ◽  
Living With Hiv ◽  
Anti Hiv

Introduction. Adolescents (10-19 years) living with HIV (ALWH) face unique challenges in controlling HIV long-term, including stigma and perception of stigma within their communities. Methods. We conducted a qualitative investigation of the sources of perceived HIV-related stigma with ALWH in western Kenya. Forty-six ALWH on ART, aware of their status, and engaged in care were enrolled. Interviews explored perceived stigma by probing the individuals and experiences that adolescents identify as causing or perpetuating their ongoing fears. Results. Participants (54% male, mean age 17.4) reported ongoing fears of stigmatization related to friends and peers not living with HIV. They described previous enacted and first-hand observations of stigma, most often occurring in pre-adolescence, by age mates or peers at school as the most common cause for their ongoing fears. Conclusions. Perceived stigma is prevalent among ALWH and develops from experiences in pre-adolescence. Anti-HIV stigma interventions addressing educators and children in school settings to combat perceived stigma at its source should be investigated.

scholarly journals Assessment of HIV-related stigma and determinants among people living with HIV/AIDS in Abeokuta, Nigeria: A cross-sectional study

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. 205031211986910
Author(s):  
Olaide Olutoyin Oke ◽  
Adeolu Oladayo Akinboro ◽  
Fatai Olatunde Olanrewaju ◽  
Olatunbosun Ayokunle Oke ◽  
Ayanfe Samuel Omololu
Keyword(s):  
Hiv Stigma ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Perceived Stigma ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Stigma Score ◽  
Low Education ◽  
Related Stigma ◽  
Enacted Stigma ◽  
Living With Hiv ◽  
Hiv Aids

Introduction: HIV/AIDS-related stigma remains an essential barrier to the formulated care delivery and improved quality of life of people living with HIV/AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa. Only a few studies have evaluated stigma and its determinants as concerns people living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria. Methods: A cross-sectional design study recruited 386 people living with HIV/AIDS attending the government clinic, Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, Nigeria, for the assessment of stigma using Berger’s HIV stigma scale and United States Agency International Development-recommended indicators and questions on HIV-related stigma among people living with HIV/AIDS. Data were analyzed using SPSS 21. Results: Of the 386 people living with HIV/AIDS, 322 (83.4%) were females and 64 (16.6%) were males, and 96.9% had disclosed their HIV status. Overall, mean perceived stigma score was moderately high at 95.74 (standard deviation = ±16.04). Majority (77.2%) of the participants experienced moderately perceived stigma. Among the subscales, disclosure concerns contributed the most to stigma score at 68.9%. Enacted stigma in the last 12 months was documented in 35.8% (138). There was no association observed between age, gender, marital status and HIV-related stigma. However, low education was associated with higher negative self-image perception (31.83 ± 5.81 vs 29.76 ± 5.74, p < 0.001). Furthermore, higher perceived stigma score was associated with abandonment by spouses (p < 0.001), isolation from household members (p < 0.001) and social exclusion (p < 0.001). We demonstrated a correlation between the domains of enacted stigma and Berger HIV stigma scales except for the loss of resources. Conclusion: Perceived HIV-related stigma is moderately high among people living with HIV/AIDS. Low education, disclosure concerns, spousal or household abandonment and social exclusion are the significant contributors. HIV-related stigma preventive interventions at different levels of care are advocated.

scholarly journals Health care providers and HIV

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne C. Wagner
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Factor Analysis ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Hiv Stigma ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Related Stigma ◽  
Convergent And Divergent Validity ◽  
Living With Hiv

The current investigation seeks to examine the attitudes and beliefs of health care providers in Canada about people living with HIV. The line of research consists of three studies. Study 1 was a qualitative study conducted with a critical lens. The critical lens was used in a series of four focus groups when qualitatively soliciting opinions about the range of attitudes, behaviours and cognitions health care providers may have towards people living with HIV. Study 2 used the information gathered from Study 1 to develop a scale to assess HIV stigma in health care providers. Items were created from examples and themes found in the qualitative study, and were tested via exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, test-retest reliability analysis, and assessed for convergent and divergent validity. Study 3 examined the newly developed scale’s relationship to proposed overlapping stigmas and attitudes, and tested the adapted intersectional model of HIV-related stigma with health care trainees using the newly developed HIV stigma scale as an outcome measure. The line of research found that HIV stigma continues to be a significant problem in the health care system. The scale developed in Study 2 demonstrates that HIV stigma can be conceptualized and assessed as a tripartite model of discrimination, stereotyping and prejudice, and that this conceptualization of HIV stigma supports an intersectional model of overlapping stigmas with homophobia, racism, stigma against injection drug use and stigma against sex work.

HIV Stigma Reduction Through Peer-Led Advocacy Training

2021 ◽  
Vol 33 (4) ◽  
pp. 303-311
Author(s):  
Susan Reif ◽  
Haley Cooper ◽  
Elena Wilson ◽  
Gina Brown ◽  
Nicole Beckwith ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Well Being ◽  
Hiv Stigma ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Advocacy Training ◽  
Ongoing Training ◽  
Related Stigma ◽  
Training And Support ◽  
Living With Hiv ◽  
The U.S

HIV-related stigma is pervasive in the U.S. South and has potential negative effects on health outcomes and emotional well-being, and may act as a barrier to HIV-related advocacy among people living with HIV (PLWH). This article reports on the preliminary outcomes associated with participation in an HIV advocacy training for PLWH, LEAD, that included education and skills building for reducing HIV-related stigma. Fifty-seven PLWH at four sites in the U.S. South participated in the retreat-style training and completed a survey measuring stigma and comfort engaging in advocacy prior to and after the worshop. Participation was associated with statistically significant reduction in internalized HIV stigma and increase in comfort with participation in advocacy; however, participants reported a need for ongoing training and support to further increase comfort with advocacy participation. Although more research is needed on the LEAD Workshop, it shows promise as an option for reducing HIV-related stigma among PLWH.

scholarly journals Validation of an HIV/AIDS Stigma Measure for Children Living with HIV and Their Families

2019 ◽  
Vol 18 ◽  
pp. 232595821988057
Author(s):  
Rachel Christine Vreeman ◽  
Michael Lawrence Scanlon ◽  
Wanzhu Tu ◽  
James Slaven ◽  
Carole McAteer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Construct Validity ◽  
Behavioral Outcomes ◽  
Estimating Equation ◽  
Hiv Stigma ◽  
Generalized Estimating Equation ◽  
Western Kenya ◽  
Aids Stigma ◽  
Depressed Child ◽  
Living With Hiv ◽  
Child Caregiver

Background: There are few validated tools to measure stigma, particularly among children living with HIV and their families. Methods: This study was nested within a larger study that followed 240 child–caregiver dyads (children aged 10-15 years) at 8 clinics in western Kenya. The stigma instrument was administered to all child–caregiver dyads at 2 time points 6 months apart. The primary end point was to construct validity assessed by comparison to criterion constructs using generalized estimating equation models. Results: Mean age of child participants was 12.3 years and 52% were female. Generally, caregivers reported experiencing higher levels of HIV stigma compared to their children. Children (9%) and caregivers (14%) reported that HIV stigma made them feel stressed, anxious, and depressed. Child and caregiver stigma items showed high construct validity by emotional and behavioral outcomes. Conclusions: The stigma instrument showed high validity when compared to emotional and behavioral outcomes.

scholarly journals Associations of internalized and anticipated HIV stigma with returning to work for persons living with HIV

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (6) ◽  
pp. e0252783
Author(s):  
Joseph S. Lightner ◽  
Serena Rajabiun ◽  
Howard J. Cabral ◽  
Jessica Flaherty ◽  
Jamie Shank ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
The United States ◽  
Hiv Stigma ◽  
Internalized Stigma ◽  
Linear Regression Models ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Employment Barriers ◽  
Persons Living With Hiv ◽  
Related Stigma ◽  
Anticipated Stigma ◽  
Living With Hiv

Introduction Employment is particularly beneficial for persons living with HIV (PLWH). However, PLWH experiencing internalized stigma or anticipating that they may experience stigma may be less likely to seek employment due to additional barriers associated with HIV. The purpose of this study was to understand the associations between internalized and anticipated stigma and employment barriers for PLWH. Methods Participants (N = 712) from 12 sites across the United States were recruited and interviewed about barriers to employment, HIV stigma, and several other factors related to health. A series of unadjusted and adjusted linear regression models were conducted using cross-sectional data. Results Adjusted models suggest that greater anticipated stigma was related to increased employment barriers (β = 0.12, p = 0.04). Mental and physical health functioning also positively predicted employment barriers (β = -0.18, p <0.001; β = -0.40, p <0.001, respectively). Discussion Employment among PLWH has beneficial impacts on HIV-related health outcomes. This study suggests that anticipated stigma may limit and individual’s willingness to seek out employment, or may cause them to leave employment. Internalized stigma may not play as large of a role in employment as anticipated stigma for PLWH. HIV-related stigma reduction interventions focused on community-level and employers are essential to improve employment opportunities for PLWH.

scholarly journals Stigma Mechanisms and Outcomes among Sub-Saharan African Descendants in Belgium—Contextualizing the HIV Stigma Framework

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (16) ◽  
pp. 8635
Author(s):  
Lazare Manirankunda ◽  
Aletha Wallace ◽  
Charles Ddungu ◽  
Christiana Nöstlinger
Keyword(s):  
Hiv Prevalence ◽  
Hiv Stigma ◽  
Community Members ◽  
Sexual Rejection ◽  
African Descendants ◽  
Related Stigma ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Hiv Acquisition ◽  
Living With Hiv ◽  
Depth Interviews

HIV-related stigma and discrimination are recognized barriers to HIV prevention, testing and treatment among people of Sub-Saharan African descent (SSA) origin living in Belgium, but insights into HIV related-stigma mechanisms and outcomes are lacking for this population with high HIV prevalence. Guided by Earnshaw and Chaudoir’s stigma framework (2009), we conducted this qualitative study using 10 focus-groups with 76 SSA community members and 20 in-depth interviews with SSA descendants living with HIV to explore specific HIV-stigma mechanisms and outcomes and underlying drivers. Inductive and deductive thematic analysis showed high degrees of stigma among SSA communities driven by fear of HIV acquisition and misconceptions in a migration context, negatively affecting SSA descendants living with HIV. The results allowed for contextualization of the framework: At the community level, prejudices and stereotypes were major stigma mechanisms, while physical distancing, gossips, sexual rejection, violence and increased HIV prevalence emerged as stigma outcomes. Among SSA descendants living with HIV, enacted, anticipated and internalized stigmas were validated as stigma mechanisms, with witnessed stigma as an additional mechanism. Self-isolation, community avoidance and low utilization of non-HIV specialized healthcare were additional outcomes. These results are relevant for tailoring interventions to reduce HIV-related stigma.

scholarly journals Association Between Maternal HIV Stigma Among South Indian Mothers Living with HIV and the CD4 Count of Children Living with HIV

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Valerie PhamDo ◽  
Adeline M. Nyamathi ◽  
Maria L. Ekstrand ◽  
Sanjeev Sinha ◽  
Kartik Yadav ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cd4 Count ◽  
Hiv Stigma ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
South Indian ◽  
Unit Increase ◽  
Mother And Child ◽  
Related Stigma ◽  
Maternal Hiv ◽  
Living With Hiv ◽  
Sectional Analysis

AbstractHIV stigma takes a multidimensional toll on a mother’s ability to care for herself and subsequently may impact her ability to care for her child, particularly when mother and child are seroconcordant. A cross-sectional analysis was conducted to examine the association between maternal HIV stigma and child CD4 count in rural India. We assessed 108 mother–child dyads and found that a one-unit increase in community stigma fear decreased child CD4 count by 352 cells (95% CI = − 603, − 102), highlighting the need to develop a better understanding of the consequences of HIV-related stigma on the compounded burden of care in households where mother and child both live with HIV.

scholarly journals Mediating Effects of Stigma and Depressive Symptoms in a Social Media–Based Intervention to Improve Long-term Quality of Life Among People Living With HIV: Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial

10.2196/27897 ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (11) ◽  
pp. e27897
Author(s):  
Yiran Li ◽  
Yan Guo ◽  
Y Alicia Hong ◽  
Chengbo Zeng ◽  
Yu Zeng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Mediating Effects ◽  
Long Term Effects ◽  
Related Stigma ◽  
Living With Hiv

Background Mobile health (mHealth) interventions have been shown to effectively improve the quality of life (QOL) among people living with HIV. However, little is known about the long-term effects of mHealth interventions. Objective This study aims to explore the intervention mechanisms of a social media–based intervention, Run4Love, on the QOL of people with HIV over across a 9-month follow-up period. Methods We recruited people living with HIV who were concurrently experiencing elevated depressive symptoms from an HIV outpatient clinic in South China. A total of 300 eligible participants were randomized either to the intervention group or the control group in a 1:1 ratio after they provided informed consent and completed a baseline survey. The intervention group received a 3-month WeChat-based intervention, comprising cognitive-behavioral stress management (CBSM) courses and physical activity promotion. The control group received a printed brochure on nutrition guidelines in addition to the usual care for HIV treatment. Neither participants nor the research staff were blinded to group assignment. All patients were followed at 3, 6, and 9 months. The primary outcome was depressive symptoms. Structural equation model (SEM) with longitudinal data was conducted to examine the sequential mediating effects of HIV-related stigma and depressive symptoms on the long-term intervention effects on participants’ QOL. Results About 91.3% (274/300), 88.3% (265/300), and 86.7% (260/300) of all participants completed follow-up surveys at 3, 6, and 9 months, respectively. Results showed that the intervention had significantly improved participants' QOL at 9 months, via complete mediating effects of reduced HIV-related stigma at 3 months and decreased depressive symptoms at 6 months. No adverse events were reported. Conclusions These findings underscore the critical roles of HIV-related stigma and depressive symptoms in an mHealth intervention with long-term effects on QOL improvements. We call for targeted mHealth interventions to improve QOL among people living with HIV, especially social media–based interventions that can address HIV-related stigma and alleviate depressive symptoms. Trial Registration Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR-IPR-17012606; https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=21019

scholarly journals Autonomy-Supportive Healthcare Climate and HIV-Related Stigma Predict Linkage to HIV Care in Men Who Have Sex With Men in Ghana, West Africa

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 ◽  
pp. 232595822097811
Author(s):  
Lily Y. Gu ◽  
Nanhua Zhang ◽  
Kenneth H. Mayer ◽  
James M. McMahon ◽  
Soohyun Nam ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gender Nonconformity ◽  
Hiv Stigma ◽  
Hiv Care ◽  
Sex Behavior ◽  
Related Stigma ◽  
And Gender ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Linkage To Hiv Care ◽  
Living With Hiv ◽  
The Impact

In Ghana, the HIV prevalence among MSM is more than 10 times greater than the general population of adults, and rates of engagement in HIV medical care are low among MSM diagnosed with HIV. Using structured surveys, we investigated the impact of HIV-related stigma, same-sex behavior stigma, and gender nonconformity stigma on linkage to HIV care (LTC) in MSM ( N = 225) living with HIV in Ghana. Autonomy-supportive healthcare climate ( OR = 1.63, p < .01), vicarious HIV stigma ( OR = 2.73, p < .01), and age ( OR = 1.06, p < .004) predicted LTC. Conversely, felt normative HIV stigma negatively predicted LTC ( OR = 0.65, p < .05). Finally, we identified regional disparities, with MSM from Takoradi being 4 times and 5 times more likely to be LTC compared to Kumasi and Accra, respectively. Our findings highlight the nuanced roles of stigmas in shaping the HIV care continuum among MSM living with HIV, while revealing potential gaps in current measures of HIV-related stigma.

scholarly journals HIV-Related Stigma among African Immigrants Living with HIV/AIDS in USA

2010 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 61-74 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emmanuel F. Koku
Keyword(s):  
African Immigrants ◽  
The Body ◽  
Hiv Stigma ◽  
Persons Living With Hiv ◽  
The Us ◽  
Prevention And Treatment ◽  
Related Stigma ◽  
Study Participants ◽  
Living With Hiv ◽  
Depth Interviews

Recent advances in the fight against HIV have increased the life expectancy of those infected. Despite these, a number of barriers such as stigma continue to affect HIV prevention and treatment. Although the body of work on HIV stigma is growing, there is a paucity of literature on the experiences of specific sub-groups such as African immigrants living with HIV. Drawing on in-depth interviews with a sample of these immigrants in the US, this study examines their experiences of HIV-related stigma, its impact on their lives, and the means of coping and resistance they adopted. Like other persons living with HIV, study participants experienced interpersonal, internalized and institutional stigma. However, their experiences of, and responses to stigmatization are shaped largely by cultural/religious assumptions and perceptions about HIV learnt from their countries of origin and western media's construction of HIV. The study concludes with broader implications for further conceptualization of stigma.

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