Dataset Information

The 3 levels of HIV stigma in the United States military: perspectives from service members living with HIV.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Epidemiological surveillance data indicate that a majority of HIV-infected in the United States (U.S.) military are African-Americans and men who have sex with men. There is limited research about barriers to HIV prevention among military service members and the unique factors that contribute to HIV stigma.

Methods

A convenience sample of 30 U.S. service members were recruited from an infectious disease clinic. In depth interviews were conducted and data analyzed using a thematic coding process.

Results

Two broad categories were identified: 1) Outcomes of HIV Stigma: Fear of Rejection, Shame, and Embarrassment; and 2) Strategies for combating stigma which include increasing HIV education and prevention resources. Military policies and institutional culture regarding sexuality were found to contribute to stigma.

Conclusions

Participants identified a need for HIV education and suggested individuals living with HIV serve as mentors. A peer-to-peer intervention for delivering HIV prevention education may address these needs and reduce HIV stigma.

SUBMITTER: Yabes JM

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8281656 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Publications

The 3 levels of HIV stigma in the United States military: perspectives from service members living with HIV.

Yabes Joseph M JM Schnarrs Phillip W PW Foster Leroy B LB Scott Paul T PT Okulicz Jason F JF Hakre Shilpa S

BMC public health 20210715 1

<h4>Background</h4>Epidemiological surveillance data indicate that a majority of HIV-infected in the United States (U.S.) military are African-Americans and men who have sex with men. There is limited research about barriers to HIV prevention among military service members and the unique factors that contribute to HIV stigma.<h4>Methods</h4>A convenience sample of 30 U.S. service members were recruited from an infectious disease clinic. In depth interviews were conducted and data analyzed using ...[more]

PMID: 34266390

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Dataset Information

The 3 levels of HIV stigma in the United States military: perspectives from service members living with HIV.

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Publications

The 3 levels of HIV stigma in the United States military: perspectives from service members living with HIV.

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