RESUMEN
Our objective was to assess factors associated with health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among men who have sex with men (MSM) living with or those not living with HIV in Nigeria. A cross-sectional subset of adult MSM in the ongoing TRUST/RV368 HIV prevention and treatment study were recruited and completed the World Health Organization quality of life in HIV infection (WHOQOL-BREF) questionnaire. The tool comprises physical health, psychological health, social relationships and environmental health domains from which scores were extracted. T-tests were used to compare mean HRQoL scores between participants living with or those not living with HIV and among persons living with HIV who had been on antiretroviral therapy for ≥1 year or <1 year. Of 322 study participants, 186 (57.8%) were living with HIV. The mean scores were significantly lower for participants living with HIV as compared to those not living with HIV in physical health, psychological health and social relationship domains. Among persons living with HIV and taking ART, scores were significantly lower for those whose duration was <1 year as compared to ≥1 year regarding physical health and psychological health. Strategies to improve HIV prevention and early detection and linkage to HIV care may improve HRQoL.
Asunto(s)
Síndrome de Inmunodeficiencia Adquirida , Infecciones por VIH , Minorías Sexuales y de Género , Masculino , Adulto , Humanos , Infecciones por VIH/psicología , Homosexualidad Masculina , Calidad de Vida , Nigeria/epidemiología , Estudios TransversalesRESUMEN
Sexual and gender minority stigma (SGM stigma) affecting Nigerian sexual and gender minorities (SGM) is associated with suboptimal HIV outcomes, and one mechanism found to explain the relationship is suicidal ideation. A better understanding of coping strategies may help mitigate the harmful impacts of SGM stigma. Interviews of 25 SGM from Abuja, Nigeria participating in the [Blinded for Review] study were thematically analyzed in regards to how they coped with SGM stigma. Four coping themes emerged: avoidant behaviors, self-monitoring so as to not attract stigma, seeking support and safe spaces to be themselves, and empowerment and self-acceptance through a process of cognitive change. They utilized multiple coping strategies, often believing that stigma could be avoided through the right actions and a masculine appearance. Multi-level and person-centered interventions that increase safety and support, facilitate resiliency, and improve mental health and engagement in HIV programming could mitigate the effects of SGM stigma and coping responses of isolation, blame, and mental health stressors among Nigerian SGM.