The Lived Experience of a Newly Diagnosed Older Person With HIV in Ukraine

Allen, Amy; Zaviryukha, Irina; Kiriazova, Tetiana; Shenoi, Sheela; Rozanova, Julia

doi:10.1177/10497323211026914

Cited by 4 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 79 publications

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“…Studies that have examined the lives of these patients have shown that these patients will experience mental and living problems throughout their lives. These studies highlight the need for age-specific programming to increase HIV knowledge and coping, increase screening, and improve long-term planning [ 11 , 12 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The lived experience of HIV-infected patients in the face of a positive diagnosis of the disease: a phenomenological study

et al. 2021

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Background AIDS as a human crisis may lead to devastating psychological trauma and stress for patients. Therefore, it is necessary to study different aspects of their lives for better support and care. Accordingly, this study aimed to explain the lived experience of HIV-infected patients in the face of a positive diagnosis of the disease. Methods This qualitative study is a descriptive phenomenological study. Sampling was done purposefully and participants were selected based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data collection was conducted, using semi-structured interviews. Data analysis was performed using Colaizzi’s method. Results 12 AIDS patients participated in this study. As a result of data analysis, 5 main themes and 12 sub-themes were identified, which include: emotional shock (loathing, motivation of social isolation), the fear of the consequences (fear of the death, fear of loneliness, fear of disgrace), the feeling of the guilt (feeling of regret, feeling guilty, feeling of conscience-stricken), the discouragement (suicidal ideation, disappointment), and the escape from reality (denial, trying to hide). Conclusion The results of this study showed that patients will experience unpleasant phenomenon in the face of the positive diagnosis of the disease and will be subjected to severe psychological pressures that require attention and support of medical and laboratory centers.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The lived experience of HIV-infected patients in the face of a positive diagnosis of the disease: a phenomenological study

et al. 2021

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“…There is evidence of HCPs in many countries disclosing people’s HIV status without consent [ 5 ]. Consequently, fears of breaches in confidentiality lead to PLWH not disclosing their HIV status to their primary care providers [ 17 , 18 ]. A study that involved interviewing 79 PLWH in Albania found that 97.4% reported fear of disclosure of their HIV status as a barrier to accessing HIV care [ 19 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Addressing HIV stigma in healthcare, community, and legislative settings in Central and Eastern Europe

Schweitzer,

Dišković,

Krongauz

et al. 2023

AIDS Res Ther

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Introduction Surging HIV prevalence across countries of Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) is largely a result of poor HIV care engagement and a lack of comprehensive support for key populations. This is fostered by widespread stigma across healthcare, community, and legislative settings. Discussion Throughout CEE, HIV stigma and intersectional stigma are serious obstacles to providing adequate medical care to people living with HIV. Anticipated and enacted (experienced) stigma from healthcare professionals, and fears of breaches in confidentiality, deter individuals from having an HIV test and engaging in HIV care. Furthermore, negative connotations surrounding HIV infection can lead to discrimination from family, friends, colleagues, and the public, leading to internalized stigma and depression. Key populations that have higher HIV prevalence, such as men who have sex with men, people who inject drugs, transgender individuals, and sex workers, experience additional stigma and discrimination based on their behaviour and identities. This contributes to the concentrated HIV epidemics seen in these populations in many CEE countries. The stigma is exacerbated by punitive legislation that criminalizes HIV transmission and penalizes sexual orientation, drug use, gender identities, and sex work. Despite high levels of HIV stigma and intersectional stigma, there are many evidence-based interventions that have reduced stigma in other parts of the world. Here, we discuss the interventions that are currently being enacted in various countries of CEE, and we suggest additional effective, evidence-based interventions that will tackle stigma and lead to increased HIV care engagement and higher rates of viral suppression. We cover the promotion of the undetectable = untransmittable (U = U) message, stigma-reduction education and training for healthcare professionals, patient-centric approaches for testing and treatment, and advocacy for non-discriminatory legislation, policies, and practices. We also consider targeted stigma-reduction interventions that acknowledge the wider challenges faced by marginalized populations. Conclusions HIV stigma and intersectional stigma in CEE drive poor engagement with HIV testing services and care. Widespread adoption of evidence-based interventions to tackle stigma highlighted in this review will improve the quality of life of people living with HIV, improve HIV care engagement, and ultimately slow the surging HIV prevalence and concentrated epidemics occurring throughout CEE.

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“…However, this finding that women experience more GAD and depression than their male counterparts may reflect similar findings elsewhere in LMIC settings before COVID [ 56 , 57 ]. Additional contributors to elevated mental health concerns may relate to findings in Ukraine that suggest that HIV stigma contributes to worse mental health [ 58 ], and because women reflect relatively lower levels of HIV than their male counterparts, their mental health may be affected by minority stress [ 59 , 60 , 61 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Initial Response to COVID-19 Disruptions for Older People with HIV in Ukraine

et al. 2022

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Ukraine imposed a COVID-19 lockdown in March 2020. From April to June 2020, we surveyed 123 older people with HIV (OPWH) by phone to assess their mental health, engagement in HIV and other healthcare, and substance use using standardised scales. Variables of key interest were symptoms of depression and symptoms of anxiety. Univariate and multivariable Firth logistic regression models were built to assess factors associated with: (1) symptoms of depression, and (2) symptoms of anxiety. Findings indicated high suicidal ideation (10.6%); 45.5% met the screening criteria for moderate to severe depression; and 35.0% met the criteria for generalised anxiety disorder (GAD). Independent correlates of having moderate to severe depression included being female (AOR: 2.83, 95%CI = 1.19–7.05), having concerns about potential barriers to HIV treatment (AOR: 8.90, 95%CI = 1.31–104.94), and active drug use (AOR: 34.53, 95%CI = 3.02–4885.85). Being female (AOR: 5.30, 95%CI = 2.16–14.30) and having concerns about potential barriers to HIV treatment (AOR: 5.33, 95%CI = 1.22–28.45) were independently correlated with GAD, and over half (58.5%) were willing to provide peer support to other OPWH. These results highlight the impact of the COVID-19 restrictions in Ukraine on mental health for OPWH and support the need to screen for psychiatric and substance use disorders, potentially using telehealth strategies.

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The Lived Experience of a Newly Diagnosed Older Person With HIV in Ukraine

Cited by 4 publications

References 79 publications

The lived experience of HIV-infected patients in the face of a positive diagnosis of the disease: a phenomenological study

The lived experience of HIV-infected patients in the face of a positive diagnosis of the disease: a phenomenological study

Addressing HIV stigma in healthcare, community, and legislative settings in Central and Eastern Europe

The Initial Response to COVID-19 Disruptions for Older People with HIV in Ukraine

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