scholarly journals Exploration of traditional beliefs about human immunodeficiency virus and associated stigma among black Africans in the UK: a pilot study with implication for practice in Africa

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (5) ◽  
pp. 2173
Author(s):  
Aaron Akpu Philip ◽  
Samantha Davis ◽  
Candidus Nwakasi ◽  
Victor Oti Baba
Keyword(s):  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Traditional Beliefs ◽  
Black Africans ◽  
Developed Country ◽  
Immunodeficiency Virus ◽  
Related Stigma ◽  
English Speaking ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Living With Hiv

Background: In the UK, black Africans account for the most affected ethnic population with HIV. Black Africans hold traditional beliefs which have been reported to cause certain misconceptions about the cause of HIV. Also, despite being in a developed country like the UK, it has been noted that Black Africans still hold these beliefs. This study was aimed at exploring the influence of traditional beliefs about the cause of HIV and HIV related stigma among Black Africans in the diaspora.Methods: Semi structured interviews were conducted among six individuals (M-4, F-2), three of which were people living with HIV (PLHIV). Participants were selected purposively. The study included male and/or female English-speaking Black Africans who were 18 years+ and not born in the UK but had migrated to live there.Results: The resulting data was analysed thematically, and three themes were developed: “…God created disease as a punishment for mankind…”: Punishment from God, “…witches, they can make HIV…”: HIV as related to witchcraft and “hanging on to traditional beliefs thus mistreating people with HIV”: Traditional African beliefs cause stigma.Conclusions: The main finding of this study reveals that participants who are knowledgeable about HIV still hold traditional beliefs about HIV. These beliefs are reported to exacerbate stigma against PLHIV. The study recommends that traditional beliefs should be prioritised when planning HIV prevention programs.

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
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Sexual Abuse ◽  
Childhood Sexual Abuse ◽  
Casual Sex ◽  
Hiv Disclosure ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Hiv Status ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Related Stigma ◽  
Living With Hiv

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.

HIV and other STIs in the United Kingdom: further increases

2003 ◽  
Vol 7 (48) ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Keyword(s):  
United Kingdom ◽  
Disease Surveillance ◽  
Communicable Disease ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Health Protection Agency ◽  
Protection Agency ◽  
England And Wales ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Living With Hiv

The Health Protection Agency Communicable Disease Surveillance Centre for England and Wales and others have reported that the number of people living with HIV in the UK has increased

scholarly journals The Lived Experiences of Stigmatization in the Process of HIV Status Disclosure among People Living with HIV in Taiwan

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (10) ◽  
pp. 5089
Author(s):  
Chia-Hui Yu ◽  
Chu-Yu Huang ◽  
Nai-Ying Ko ◽  
Heng-Hsin Tung ◽  
Hui-Man Huang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lived Experiences ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Social Stigma ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Hiv Status ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Two Phases ◽  
Hiv Status Disclosure ◽  
Living With Hiv ◽  
Status Disclosure

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.

scholarly journals Clinical Pharmacology of Hyperammonemia by Sodium Valproate and Carbamazepine in People Living with HIV

CNS Spectrums ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 143-143
Author(s):  
Martin J. Mazzoglio y Nabar ◽  
Santiago Muñoz ◽  
Milagros Muñiz ◽  
Alexis Mejías ◽  
Christian Montivero ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Valproic Acid ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Preventive Control ◽  
Decompensated Liver Disease ◽  
Viral Loads ◽  
Daily Life Activities ◽  
Psychopharmacological Treatment ◽  
Immunodeficiency Virus ◽  
Cirrhotic Patients ◽  
Living With Hiv

AbstractIntroductionHyperammonaemia (HA) is observed in decompensated liver disease. The picture of hyperammonemic encephalopathy in non-cirrhotic patients was reported mostly associated with valproic acid. There are few reports of hyperammonemia in people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLHIV) and they are associated with other comorbidities and few with antiretrovirals (HAART), but not as adverse drug reactions associated with psychotropic drugs associated with the virus.ObjectiveReport of cases of PLHIV in HARRT with hyperammonemia, its clinical impact and ammonium levels.Materials and MethodsWe report 67 PLHIV in treatment with HAART, negative viral loads, psychopharmacological treatment with valproic acid (n=45) or carbamazepine (n=22). Exclusion criteria were = HCV, HBV and alcohol consumption disorder (current or recent history) and decompensated liver pathology. We apply scales to evaluate side effects (UKU), subjective adherence (DAI), daily life activities (Barthel Index), liver severity (Child-Pugh Classification) and degrees of hepatic encephalopathy (West Haven Scale). The ethical-legal requirements were met. Results: 26.86% presented hyperammonemia, among which 38.88% was symptomatic. The clinical presentation was heterogeneous with a higher prevalence of gastrointestinal and cognitive alterations; the most severe cases presented alterations of the sensorium and 1 case of convulsions. We recorded a greater symptomatic severity with carbamazepine (average ammonia =104.4 pmol/L), but a higher prevalence of non-symptomatic hyperammonemia with valproic acid (62.3 pmol/L). The time of onset of symptoms was lower with carbamazepine, but the time until its decrease was higher with valproic acid.ConclusionsWe observed a higher prevalence of hyperammonemia and associated symptomatology in PLHIV with HAART medicated with carbamazepine. The significant percentage of this adverse drug reaction suggests a biochemical, perhaps preventive, control.

scholarly journals HIV-related stigma in the UK then and now: to what extent are we on track to eliminate stigma? A qualitative investigation

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Barbara Hedge ◽  
Karrish Devan ◽  
Jose Catalan ◽  
Anna Cheshire ◽  
Damien Ridge
Keyword(s):  
Antiretroviral Treatment ◽  
Hiv Transmission ◽  
Minority Groups ◽  
Physical Violence ◽  
Hiv Care ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Health And Social Care ◽  
Related Stigma ◽  
Engagement In Hiv Care

Abstract Background The introduction of effective antiretroviral treatment in the late 1990s led to the perception that HIV was a chronic but manageable condition. Nevertheless, stigma remains one of the major hurdles for people living with HIV (PLWH) to accessing healthcare and biomedical preventions. Thus, Fast Track Cities has set a target of zero HIV discrimination by 2030 as part of its strategy to end HIV transmission. Methods Fifty-three participants from the United Kingdom, including PLWH (n = 21, 40%), health and social care workers (n = 24, 45%), and charity workers and activists (n = 13, 25%), were recruited. Semi-structured interviews investigated stigma and discrimination, focusing on both before and after the widespread use of effective antiretroviral treatment in the late 1990s. Data were analysed using a thematic approach. Results Before effective antiretroviral treatment narratives were shaped by two main themes: 1) the media’s role in influencing public opinion and contributing to misunderstandings of HIV transmission; and 2) personal experiences of HIV-related stigma, which for PLWH included incidents of physical violence and aggression, as well as fears of their HIV status being publicised. Contemporary narratives on stigma experiences were organised around four themes: 1) discrimination in healthcare settings; 2) stigma amongst men who have sex with men (MSM); 3) stigma towards African and Afro-Caribbean PLWH; and 4) the limits of change in public HIV-related knowledge and attitudes. Contemporary narratives indicated a reduction in enacted stigma, but continued anticipation of discrimination and self-reported shame, particularly in MSM and African and Afro-Caribbean PLWH. Conclusion The nature of stigma against those with HIV has evolved. The intersection of PLWH and minority groups (e.g. MSM and African and Afro-Caribbean persons) may enhance anticipatory and internalised stigma, with some suggestion that this may contribute to reduced engagement in HIV care and prevention services. Our findings indicate the need for further research in this area, as well as proactive interventions with community groups to enhance knowledge of HIV.

scholarly journals Stigma mastery in people living with HIV: gender similarities and theory

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charles Patrick Namisi ◽  
John C. Munene ◽  
Rhoda K. Wanyenze ◽  
Anne R. Katahoire ◽  
Rosalinda M. Parkes-Ratanshi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Women ◽  
Social Exclusion ◽  
Theoretical Framework ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Hiv Diagnosis ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Related Stigma ◽  
Living With Hiv

Abstract Aims This study aimed to determine the prevalence of, factors associated with, and to build a theoretical framework for understanding Internalsed HIV-related Stigma Mastery (IHSM). Methods A cross-sectional study nested within a 2014 Stigma Reduction Cohort in Uganda was used. The PLHIV Stigma Index version 2008, was used to collect data from a random sample of 666 people living with HIV (PLHIV) stratified by gender and age. SPSS24 with Amos27 softwares were used to build a sequential-mediation model. Results The majority of participants were women (65%), aged ≥ 40 years (57%). Overall, IHSM was 45.5% among PLHIV, that increased with age. Specifically, higher IHSM correlated with men and older women “masculine identities” self-disclosure of HIV-diagnosis to family, sharing experiences with peers. However, lower IHSM correlated with feminine gender, the experience of social exclusion stress, fear of future rejection, and fear of social intimacy. Thus, IHSM social exclusion with its negative effects and age-related cognition are integrated into a multidimensional IHSM theoretical framework with a good model-to-data fit. Conclusion Internalised HIV-related Stigma Mastery is common among men and older women. Specificially, “masculine identities” self-disclose their own HIV-positive diagnosis to their family, share experiences with peers to create good relationships for actualising or empowerment in stigma mastery. However, social exclusion exacerbates series of negative effects that finally undermine stigma mastery by young feminine identities. Thus, stigma mastery is best explained by an integrated empowerment framework, that has implications for future practice, policy, and stigma-related research that we discuss.

HIV-Related Stigma Among People Living With HIV in Iran

2021 ◽  
Vol Publish Ahead of Print ◽  
Author(s):  
Rahmatollah Moradzadeh ◽  
Maryam Zamanian
Keyword(s):  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Related Stigma ◽  
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 Survival analysis of people living with human immunodeficiency virus: a study in a teaching hospital

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (9) ◽  
pp. 1339
Author(s):  
S. Bhagyabati Devi ◽  
T. Jeetenkumar Singh ◽  
Kshetrimayum Birendra Singh ◽  
N. Biplab Singh ◽  
Robinson Ningshen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Antiretroviral Therapy ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Good Adherence ◽  
National Programme ◽  
Immunodeficiency Virus ◽  
Centre Of Excellence ◽  
High Incidence ◽  
Good Nutrition ◽  
Living With Hiv

Background: Antiretroviral therapy (ART) have changed the outlook of people living with HIV (PLHIV) by transforming the dreaded infection to a chronically manageable disease. However, there is scant of reports which analyses quantitatively the survival benefit of PLHIV under ART. Objectives of this study were to determine the survival time of adult PLHIV who are on ARV. To analyse the factors determining survival outcome of PLHIV on ARV.Methods: This was an observational study in centre of excellence (COE) ART Centre, RIMS, Imphal from April 2004 to December 2009. Details from the data entered in documents of the ART programme were followed up every 3 months for 60 months from the date of initiation of ARV. All PLHIV above 18 years of age and undergoing antiretroviral therapy were included.Results: Survival rate following initiation of ARV was found to be significantly high among PLHIV. Higher CD4 count at the time of ARV initiation had better prognosis. Mortality was high among IDUs and they had high incidence of co-infections with HCV and HBV. The currently available ARV drugs under NACO programme have better suppression of HIV, are less toxic, low pill burden. The combined regimen used in the earlier days were not much inferior to the current ARV drugs if initiated timely with proper prophylaxis of OIs, good adherence, good nutrition and timely management of toxicities and IRIS.Conclusions: Timely treatment with ARV drugs provided under the national programme with good adherence and regular follow-up improves the survival of PLHIV.  

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.

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