(Q31074)
Statements
Limited research has been conducted on the forms, manifestations and effects of intersectional stigma among young HIV-positive men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TGW) in Zambia. (English)
BACKGROUND (English)
© 2024. The Author(s). (English)
2024
In this study, we aimed to address this gap by elucidating the experiences of these in a small group of young, HIV + MSM and TGW in Zambia. (English)
BACKGROUND (English)
© 2024. The Author(s). (English)
2024
We applied a mixed-methods design. (English)
METHODS (English)
© 2024. The Author(s). (English)
2024
Data were collected from January 2022 to May 2022. (English)
METHODS (English)
© 2024. The Author(s). (English)
2024
Qualitative data were collected using in-depth interviews while quantitative data were collected using a questionnaire. (English)
METHODS (English)
© 2024. The Author(s). (English)
2024
Qualitative transcripts were coded using thematic analysis while paper-based questionnaire data were entered into Kobo Connect. (English)
METHODS (English)
© 2024. The Author(s). (English)
2024
Descriptive statistics, using chi-squared tests were calculated using Excel. (English)
METHODS (English)
© 2024. The Author(s). (English)
2024
In this paper, we provide a descriptive profile of the sample and then focus on the qualitative findings on intersectional stigma, depression, and contemplation of suicide. (English)
METHODS (English)
© 2024. The Author(s). (English)
2024
We recruited 56 participants from three sites: Lusaka, Chipata, and Solwezi districts. (English)
RESULTS (English)
© 2024. The Author(s). (English)
2024
Participants' mean age was 23 years. (English)
RESULTS (English)
© 2024. The Author(s). (English)
2024
The study found that 36% of all participants had moderate to significant symptoms of depression, 7% had major depression, 30% had moderate signs of anxiety, 11% had high signs of anxiety, 4% had very high signs of anxiety and 36% had contemplated suicide at least once. (English)
RESULTS (English)
© 2024. The Author(s). (English)
2024
A greater proportion of TGW had moderate to significant symptoms of depression (40%) or major depression (10%) compared to MSM, at 33% and 6%, respectively (X<sup>2</sup> = 0.65; p = 0.42). (English)
RESULTS (English)
© 2024. The Author(s). (English)
2024
Similarly, more TGW (55%) had contemplated suicide than MSM peers (36%, X<sup>2</sup>=1.87; p = 0.17). (English)
RESULTS (English)
© 2024. The Author(s). (English)
2024
In the qualitative data, four emergent themes about the forms, manifestations, and effects of intersectional stigma were (1) HIV, sexual orientation, and gender identity disclosure; (2) Dual identity; (3) Challenges of finding and maintaining sexual partners; (4) Coping and resilience. (English)
RESULTS (English)
© 2024. The Author(s). (English)
2024
Overall, having to hide both one's sexuality and HIV status had a compounding effect and was described as living "a private lie." (English)
RESULTS (English)
© 2024. The Author(s). (English)
2024
Effectively addressing stigmas and poor mental health outcomes among young HIV-positive MSM and TGW will require adopting a socio-ecological approach that focuses on structural interventions, more trauma-informed and identity-supportive care for young people with HIV, as well as strengthening of authentic community-informed public health efforts. (English)
CONCLUSION (English)
© 2024. The Author(s). (English)
2024
Joseph Mumba (English)
Zulu (English)
JM
Henna (English)
Budhwani (English)
H
Deogwoon (English)
Kim (English)
D
Mirriam (English)
Zulu (English)
M
Patrick (English)
Nyamaruze (English)
P
Kaymarlin (English)
Govender (English)
K
Russell (English)
Armstrong (English)
R