A qualitative analysis examining intersectional stigma among young adults living with HIV in Atlanta, Georgia

• Authors: Madeleine Goldstein, Emory University; Shamia Moore, Emory University; Munira Mohamed, Emory University; Rosalind Byrd, Emory University; Michael G. Curtis, Emory University; Whitney S. Rice, Emory University; Andres Camacho-Gonzalez, Emory University; Brian Zanoni, Emory University; Sophia Hussen, Emory University
• Journal Title: PLOS ONE
• Volume: Volume 18, Number 8
• Publisher: PUBLIC LIBRARY SCIENCE | 2023-08-10, Pages e0289821-e0289821
• Type of Work: Article | Final Publisher PDF
• Publisher DOI: http://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0289821
• Subjects: Biology, Virology; Sociology, Public and Social Welfare
• Keywords: Science & Technology; Multidisciplinary Sciences; Science & Technology - Other Topics; STRUCTURAL COMPETENCE; PROVIDER PERSPECTIVES; HEALTH; ADOLESCENT; SEX; MEN; RACE; CARE; EXPERIENCES; DISPARITIES

Abstract

HIV-related stigma is a barrier to engagement in care for young adults living with HIV. Other intersecting forms of stigma (e.g., racism, sexism, homophobia), may worsen HIV-related stigma and impact engagement in care. From November 2020 to February 2021, we conducted 20 in-depth qualitative interviews among young adults living with HIV attending a large, comprehensive HIV care center in Atlanta, Georgia. Semi-structured interview guides based on Earnshaw and Chaudoir’s HIV Stigma Framework and the theory of intersectionality facilitated discussion around experiences with various forms of stigma and its possible influence on healthcare engagement. Using the social-ecological model, we used thematic analysis to contextualize how young adults living with HIV experienced intersectional stigma and enacted, anticipated, and internalized HIV stigma in both healthcare and non-healthcare settings. Most participants identified as male, Black/African American, and gay. Participants described stigma at intrapersonal, interpersonal, clinic, and community levels. Intrapersonal stigma was associated with delayed care seeking, isolation, and fear of disclosure. Interpersonal stigma included discrimination from family and friends and avoidance of close relationships to elude disclosure. At the clinic level, stigma included negative experiences with staff in HIV and non-HIV healthcare settings, which contributed to decreased engagement in care. Stigma in the community included differential treatment from employers, community leaders, and religious community and was associated with feelings of helplessness related to current societal inequalities. Coping/motivating mechanisms for stigma included prioritizing health, eliciting support from the medical care team and peers. Our findings show different intersecting stigmas are barriers to healthcare at multiple levels for young adults living with HIV, potentially exacerbating existing health and social disparities. To improve engagement in care among young adults living with HIV, future interventions should address the different mechanisms of stigma at community, clinic, interpersonal and intrapersonal levels by enhancing social support and improving healthcare structural competency.