Abstract
BackgroundEpidemiological 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.MethodsA 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.ResultsTwo 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.ConclusionsParticipants 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.
Highlights
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
The repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell (DADT) has allowed the U.S Armed Forces to collect data on specific sexual behaviors associated with HIV transmission among men who have sex with men (MSM) without potentially causing service members to be discharged from the military
Current military policies related to HIV and institutional culture contributed to the structural and psychosocial barriers testing, prevention, and outreach
Summary
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. Surveillance data from 2012 to 2014 indicates that African-Americans and men who have sex with men (MSM) are disproportionately affected by HIV in comparison to other racial or ethnic groups and heterosexual counterparts [1]. This initial report provides a detailed epidemiological profile of HIV in the United States (U.S.) Army and mirrors U.S civilian data. A recent study by Garcia, Parker, Parker, et al, found that black MSM who lacked support from social networks engaged less with
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