Exploring the Potential of Participatory Theatre to Reduce Stigma and Promote Health Equity for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) People in Swaziland and Lesotho.
Health Educ Behav
; 46(1): 146-156, 2019 02.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-29589481
ABSTRACT
Stigma and discrimination affecting lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people compromise health and human rights and exacerbate the HIV epidemic. Scant research has explored effective LGBT stigma reduction strategies in low- and middle-income countries. We developed and pilot-tested a participatory theatre intervention (PTI) to reduce LGBT stigma in Swaziland and Lesotho, countries with the world's highest HIV prevalence. We collected preliminary data from in-depth interviews with LGBT people in Lesotho and Swaziland to enhance understanding of LGBT stigma. Local LGBT and theatre groups worked with these data to create a 2-hour PTI composed of three skits on LGBT stigma in health care, family, and community settings in Swaziland (Manzini) and Lesotho (Maseru, Mapoteng). Participants ( n = 106; nursing students, health care providers, educators, community members) completed 12 focus groups following the PTI. We conducted thematic analysis to understand reactions to the PTI. Focus groups revealed the PTI increased understanding of LGBT persons and issues, increased empathy, and fostered self-reflection of personal biases. Increased understanding included enhanced awareness of the negative impacts of LGBT stigma, and of LGBT people's lived experiences and issues. Participants discussed changes in attitude and perspective through self-reflection and learning. The format of the theatre performance was described as conducive to learning and preferred over more conventional educational methods. Findings indicate changed attitudes and awareness toward LGBT persons and issues following a PTI in Swaziland and Lesotho. Stigma reduction interventions may help mitigate barriers to HIV prevention, treatment, and care in these settings with a high burden of HIV.
Key words
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Psychodrama
/
Awareness
/
Health Equity
/
Social Stigma
/
Sexual and Gender Minorities
/
Health Promotion
Type of study:
Qualitative_research
/
Risk_factors_studies
Aspects:
Equity_inequality
Limits:
Adult
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Male
Country/Region as subject:
Africa
Language:
En
Journal:
Health Educ Behav
Journal subject:
CIENCIAS DO COMPORTAMENTO
/
EDUCACAO
/
SAUDE PUBLICA
Year:
2019
Document type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Canada