Dr Aaron Akpu Philip, PhD, MSPH.

Purpose: This qualitative review applies an intersectional lens to explore the lived experiences of persons with disabilities (PWDs) living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in accessing HIV services.

Methods: Using thematic analysis, the intersections relating to HIV, disability, gender, stigma, and poverty were explored.

Results: Three themes were identified from the analysis: (1) intersection of gender, HIV, and disability – “For a man, it is easier because we women… Show more

Purpose: This qualitative review applies an intersectional lens to explore the lived experiences of persons with disabilities (PWDs) living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in accessing HIV services.

Methods: Using thematic analysis, the intersections relating to HIV, disability, gender, stigma, and poverty were explored.

Results: Three themes were identified from the analysis: (1) intersection of gender, HIV, and disability – “For a man, it is easier because we women have a lot to take care of at the home and would not have
enough time to go get services”; (2) intersection of stigma, HIV, and disability – “ …Look at that one. He’s disabled, at the same time HIV-positive. He doesn’t even feel sorry for himself … to die quietly at home”; (3) intersection of poverty, HIV, and disability – “ …maybe you don’t even have money to buy food and if you’re on medication you need to eat frequently”. The findings highlighted how stigma, poverty, and gen-
der collide in a hierarchy of identities to impede accessibility to HIV services.

Conclusions: Researchers and programme implementers should note the intersecting issues of marginalisation that influence inequities in access to HIV services for PWDs living with HIV. National Strategic Plans should address these specific barriers to ensure accessibility for this marginalised population. Show less

ABSTRACT

Background: In the UK, black Africans account for the most affected ethnic population with HIV. Black Africans hold traditional beliefs which have been reported to cause certain misconceptions about the cause of HIV. Also, despite being in a developed country like the UK, it has been noted that Black Africans still hold these beliefs. This study was aimed at exploring the influence of traditional beliefs about the cause of HIV and HIV related stigma among Black Africans in the… Show more

ABSTRACT

Background: In the UK, black Africans account for the most affected ethnic population with HIV. Black Africans hold traditional beliefs which have been reported to cause certain misconceptions about the cause of HIV. Also, despite being in a developed country like the UK, it has been noted that Black Africans still hold these beliefs. This study was aimed at exploring the influence of traditional beliefs about the cause of HIV and HIV related stigma among Black Africans in the diaspora.

Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted among six individuals (M-4, F-2), three of which were people living with HIV (PLHIV). Participants were selected purposively. The study included male and/or female English- speaking Black Africans who were 18 years+ and not born in the UK but had migrated to live there.

Results: The resulting data was analysed thematically, and three themes were developed: “...God created disease as a punishment for mankind...”: Punishment from God, “...witches, they can make HIV...”: HIV as related to witchcraft and “hanging on to traditional beliefs thus mistreating people with HIV”: Traditional African beliefs cause stigma.

Conclusions: The main finding of this study reveals that participants who are knowledgeable about HIV still hold traditional beliefs about HIV. These beliefs are reported to exacerbate stigma against PLHIV. The study recommends that traditional beliefs should be prioritised when planning HIV prevention programs.

Keywords: Traditional beliefs, Cultural beliefs, HIV-related stigma, HIV, Black Africans, Africa Show less

Abstract

Cancer incidence and mortality in Nigeria are increasing at an alarming rate, especially among Nigerian men. Despite the numerous public health campaigns and education on the importance of early cancer detection in Nigeria, there exist high rate of fatal/advanced stage cancer diagnoses among Nigerian men, even among affluent Nigerian men. However, there is limited information on patterns of cancer screening and psychosocial predictors of early cancer detection behaviors among… Show more

Abstract

Cancer incidence and mortality in Nigeria are increasing at an alarming rate, especially among Nigerian men. Despite the numerous public health campaigns and education on the importance of early cancer detection in Nigeria, there exist high rate of fatal/advanced stage cancer diagnoses among Nigerian men, even among affluent Nigerian men. However, there is limited information on patterns of cancer screening and psychosocial predictors of early cancer detection behaviors among Nigerian men. In this cross-sectional study, we examined demographic and psychosocial factors influencing early cancer detection behaviors among Nigerian men. Participants (N = 143; Mage = 44.73) responded to survey assessing: masculinity, attachment styles, current and future cancer detection behaviors, and sociodemographic characteristics. We found that among the participants studied, education, masculinity and anxious attachment were significantly associated with current cancer detection behaviors. Additionally, education and anxious attachment were significantly associated with future cancer detection behaviors. Our finding is best served for clinicians and public health professionals, especially those in the field of oncology in Sub-Saharan Africa. Also, the study may be used as a groundwork for future research and health intervention programs targeting men in Sub-Saharan Africa. Show less

http://www.journalrepository.org/media/journals/JAMB_57/2017/Jun/Victor422017JAMB34352.pdf