Impact of enacted stigma on mental health, substance use, and HIV-related behaviors among sexual minority men in Zambia.
Arch Psychiatr Nurs
; 48: 51-58, 2024 02.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38453282
ABSTRACT
Sexual minority men (SMM) in Zambia face significant challenges including stigma, discrimination, and mental health issues, which further impact their HIV-related risk behaviors. This study aimed to investigate the associations between enacted stigma, substance abuse, HIV-related behaviors, and mental health (i.e., depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder [PTSD] symptoms) among SMM in Zambia. SMM aged 18-35 years who reported having multiple and/or concurrent sexual partners or low and/or inconsistent condom use in the past three months were recruited from four districts in Zambia between February and November 2021. Participants completed an anonymous interviewer-administered survey. Key variables of interest were compared between participants with higher vs. lower levels of enacted stigma. Independent samples t-tests were used for continuous variables, and chi-squared tests were used for categorical variables. A total of 197 eligible SMM participated in the study (mean age = 24.41 years). Participants with a higher level of enacted stigma showed a higher level of anxiety symptoms (χ2 = 12.91, p ≤ .001), PTSD symptoms (χ2 = 7.13, p < .01), tobacco use (χ2 = 10.47, p < .01), cannabis use (χ2 = 5.90, p < .05), and a higher number of sexual partners (t = 1.99, p < .05) in the past three months. Stigma reduction interventions may help mitigate substance abuse, HIV-related behaviors, and adverse mental health outcomes among SMM in Zambia. Health care providers, especially psychiatric-mental health nurses, can incorporate strategies for recognizing and addressing stigma into their practice through training and integrate multiple resources to create an inclusive and non-judgmental environment for SMM to improve their well-being.
Palabras clave
Texto completo:
1
Colección:
01-internacional
Base de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Infecciones por VIH
/
Trastornos Relacionados con Sustancias
/
Minorías Sexuales y de Género
Límite:
Adult
/
Humans
/
Male
País/Región como asunto:
Africa
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Arch Psychiatr Nurs
Asunto de la revista:
ENFERMAGEM
/
PSIQUIATRIA
Año:
2024
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Estados Unidos
Pais de publicación:
Estados Unidos