Psychosocial Experiences of a Key Population with HIV

Abstract

Men who have sex with men (MSM) suffer disproportionate burden of HIV which is often associated with stigma and discrimination. HIV stigma is believed to be associated with negative psychosocial consequences that affects treatment outcomes. This study sought to explore the psychosocial experiences of key population (MSM) living with HIV using the socio-ecological model. A qualitative interpretive descriptive -approach was employed. Snowballing sampling technique was used to select fifteen (15) participants who were interviewed face to face. The interview was audio- taped, transcribed verbatim and analysed deductively using thematic content analysis. Participants’ rights were protected through ensuring voluntary participation and signing of informed consent. Methodological rigor was ensured by selecting participants with psychosocial experiences, peer review and prolonged engagement. Findings revealed MSM living with HIV felt internal stigma, had depression and suicidal ideation. Family and peer relationships were broken, they felt discrimination, had challenges with status disclosure and lacked family and peer support. At the community level, MSM living with HIV suffered stigma, abuse and were denied community support. Institutionally, services were poor coupled with negative attitude of health workers. The lack of structural support, resources and knowledge about policy concerns affected the care of MSM living with HIV. Interventions for addressing HIV related stigma are required to promote psychosocial wellbeing of MSM living with HIV.