Pathways Between Intersectional Stigma and HIV Treatment Engagement Among Men Who Have Sex with Men (MSM) in India.
J Int Assoc Provid AIDS Care
; 22: 23259582231199398, 2023.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-37701971
ABSTRACT
In India and other low-and-middle-income countries, little is known about how intersectional stigma affects MSM engagement in ART. Informed by the Health Stigma and Discrimination Framework, we qualitatively examined how multiple stigmas influence ART engagement among Indian MSM. We conducted 3 focus groups (N = 22) with MSM living with HIV, aged 21-58 years, in Delhi and Hyderabad to identify potential intervention targets and solutions to improve treatment outcomes. Framework analysis and techniques were used to code and analyze translated audio-recordings. Findings revealed enacted stigma, associated with HIV and MSM identity, manifested as familial shame and healthcare discrimination, inhibiting access to support, and decreasing HIV care engagement. Anticipated stigma led to worry about disclosure and societal repercussions. Community-Based-Organizations, ART centers, and family members were primary sources of support, leading to increased ART initiation and retention. Potential solutions included using MSM peer-counselors, increasing social support, and providing HIV education to the general community.
Key words
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
HIV Infections
/
Sexual and Gender Minorities
Type of study:
Prognostic_studies
/
Qualitative_research
Limits:
Humans
/
Male
Language:
En
Journal:
J Int Assoc Provid AIDS Care
Year:
2023
Document type:
Article
Affiliation country:
United States