Community stigma, victimization, and coping strategies among gay, bisexual, and other cis-gender men who have sex with men in slum communities in Ghana. BSGH-003

Abstract

Background Gay, bisexual, and cis-gender men who have sex with men (GBMSM) face severe consequences, especially within stigmatized environments. However, very little is known about the experiences of GBMSM living in slums in SSA and Ghana. This study investigates the experiences of stigma, victimization, and coping strategies and proposes some interventional approaches for combating stigma facing GBMSM in slum communities. Methods We engaged GBMSM living in slums in two major Ghanaian cities. We used a time-location sampling and collected data through in-depth individual interviews. Two major themes emerged from the study: (1) insecurities and criminalization of GBMSM activity, and (2) GBMSM coping strategies. Results Findings show GBMSM experienced negative attitudes from the community due to their sexual behavior/orientation. GBMSM also developed coping strategies to avert negative experiences, such as hiding their identities/behavior, avoiding gender non-conforming men, and having relationships with persons outside their communities. Conclusion We propose interventions such as HIV Education, Empathy, Empowerment, Acceptance, and Commitment Therapy as possible measures to improve the experiences of GBMSM living in Ghanaian slum communities.

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

“…Research assistants (EYZ, OWS) engaged in data collection had prior and extensive research training from working with these populations in the past. We also utilized the expertise of these researchers in our past studies, with similar populations, hence, the familiarity and experience engaging our participants [23,24,[40][41][42][43][44]. The research assistants also read the consent forms out loud and provided extra explanations to ensure everything was understood.…”

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.

“…Slums house over 30% of Ghana's urban residents, about 40% of our study area (Accra) 24,25 , and GBMSM in Accra have the highest HIV prevalence (44%) compared to nationwide GBMSM (18%) 26 . YGBMSM in slums remain at heightened vulnerability as slums remain documented high HIV-burdened areas due to structural issues (e.g., lack of access to care) and behavioral factors (e.g., transactional sex) 21,[27][28][29][30][31][32][33][34][35][36][37] .…”