Assessing Different Types of HIV Communication and Sociocultural Factors on Perceived HIV Stigma and Testing among a National Sample of Youth and Young Adults

Abstract

In the United States, racial/ethnic and sexual youth and young adults (YYA) of color are disproportionately affected by HIV. Subsequently, YYA experience HIV stigma and engage in increased risk behaviors and reduced HIV testing. HIV communication has been identified as a potential buffer to HIV stigma, resulting in health-seeking behaviors, such as HIV testing. In this study, we respond to a meaningful gap in the literature by examining different types of HIV communication and their impact on HIV stigma and HIV testing in a diverse sample of YYA. We analyzed secondary data from the Kaiser Family Foundation National Survey of Teens and Young Adults on HIV/AIDS. A 40-question, web-based survey was conducted with 1437 youth (ages 15–24). Recruitment included a dual sampling method from households with: (1) listed phone numbers, (2) unlisted phone numbers, (3) telephones, (4) no telephone, and (5) only cell phone access. The purpose of the survey was to establish participants’ HIV knowledge, communication, experiences, and testing behaviors. Findings suggested an association between intimate-partner HIV communication, increased HIV testing, and reduced HIV stigma. We also identified differentials in HIV testing and stigma based on gender, income, age, and sexual minority status, explained by HIV communication. Further research is needed that examines ways to use intimate-partner HIV communication to reduce stigma and increase HIV testing among YYA of different sociodemographic characteristics and sexual orientations.

Qualitative description of interpersonal HIV stigma and motivations for HIV testing among gays, bisexuals, and men who have sex with men in Ghana’s slums—BSGH-005

“…Although this is one of the early studies to explore GBMSM level HIV stigma in slum communities, the findings remain consistent with literature reported among GBMSM and other populations in Ghana and other SSA [4,[48][49][50][51][52][53]. Consistent with previous findings and aligned with key components of autonomy and competence in the SDT, HIV stigma undermines HIV testing decisions among GBMSM as they fear testing for HIV due to the stigma associated with testing positive [10,[52][53][54].…”

“…Others informing participants about how HIV is transmitted and treated, including stages such as undetectable status motivated them to test for HIV. Previous studies reported similar findings among GBMSM [ 10 , 52 , 54 ]. In one of the studies on HIV health promotion, after attending a workshop where GBMSM peer groups discussed and learned about HIV, they observed an increase in HIV testing from 4% to 17% within a week post-intervention [ 10 ].…”

Status-neutral community-based multilevel intervention to address intersectional stigma and discrimination, and increase HIV testing, PrEP, and ART uptake among YGBMSM in Ghanaian Slums: A clustered randomized control trial protocol.

“…Contributing to less than 2% of Ghana's population, the HIV prevalence of this key population surpasses the national average by more than eightfold, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to improve early detection, care linkage, and reduce community transmission [14][15][16] . Young GBMSM (YGBMSM) represent a vulnerable population that requires focused attention due to their increased HIV vulnerability [17][18][19][20] . YGBMSM aged 18 to 24 years comprise a sub-risk population within the broader GBMSM community, accounting for 63% of known HIV cases among GBMSM in Ghana 15 .…”

Investigation on the Interaction between Oil Compositions and Soil Minerals with the Targets of Resource Recovery and Harmless Disposal of Oily Sludges by Pyrolysis

“…Several technologies have been developed for OS remediation and a combination of technologies is often necessary to meet the current strict environmental requirements. For example, OS with an oil content higher than 30 wt % should be pretreated by physical extraction or leaching methods for hydrocarbon recovery, before undergoing further treatment by chemical or biological methods, such as pyrolysis, chemical oxidation, bioremediation, and direct incineration for complete TPH removal. Chemical oxidation or microbial degradation are limited by their low efficiency, long processing times, and high cost. , Incineration is advantaged in high removal efficiency but increases the greenhouse effect and requires blending incineration.…”