| Autor: |
Rodriguez-Hart C; Institute of Human Virology University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD.; Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD., Bradley C; Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD., German D; Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD., Baral S; Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD., Ononaku U; Institute of Human Virology University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD., Dimlong OT; Institute of Human Virology University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD., Crowell TA; U.S. Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD.; Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, MD., Charurat M; Institute of Human Virology University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD., Nowak RG; Institute of Human Virology University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD. |
| Abstrakt: |
Sexual and gender minority stigma (SGM stigma) affecting Nigerian sexual and gender minorities (SGM) is associated with suboptimal HIV outcomes, and one mechanism found to explain the relationship is suicidal ideation. A better understanding of coping strategies may help mitigate the harmful impacts of SGM stigma. Interviews of 25 SGM from Abuja, Nigeria participating in the [Blinded for Review] study were thematically analyzed in regards to how they coped with SGM stigma. Four coping themes emerged: avoidant behaviors, self-monitoring so as to not attract stigma, seeking support and safe spaces to be themselves, and empowerment and self-acceptance through a process of cognitive change. They utilized multiple coping strategies, often believing that stigma could be avoided through the right actions and a masculine appearance. Multi-level and person-centered interventions that increase safety and support, facilitate resiliency, and improve mental health and engagement in HIV programming could mitigate the effects of SGM stigma and coping responses of isolation, blame, and mental health stressors among Nigerian SGM. |
