The Role of Gay-Related Stigma in HIV-Risk Behavior Among Sexual Minority Men in Europe

Abstract

Sexual orientation stigma stems from discriminatory social contexts and may ultimately impact the behavioral health of stigmatized individuals through stress-related pathways. Sexual minority stigma is of particular concern in Europe given the diversity of social contexts on the continent and sexual minority men's rapidly increasing risk of HIV infection, especially in Central and Eastern Europe, potentially rooted in stigma. This study assesses whether stigma in the ubiquitous social contexts surrounding sexual minority men (e.g., family, workplace, government) may place them

An mHealth Intervention to Improve Young Gay and Bisexual Men’s Sexual, Behavioral, and Mental Health in a Structurally Stigmatizing National Context

“…The very high-risk nature of that target population for which it is designed—at risk of HIV infection, alcohol abuse, and depression—necessitates a commensurately intense intervention. Whereas a briefer intervention might be warranted for risk reduction in the general population, it is likely unsuitable for syndemically affected sexual minority groups, and 8 sessions fall within the standard range for interventions targeting multiple outcomes in high-risk GBM [43]. Furthermore, structural barriers to implementing a relatively intensive intervention are modifiable to maximize dissemination and sustainability potential.…”

“…However, nonprobability surveys and interviews suggest that Romanian YGBM report high levels of depression and alcohol abuse [37], which has been shown by numerous cross-European studies to be linked to exposure to stigma and discrimination [38-42]. Furthermore, excessive alcohol use, which is normative in Romania [42], has been shown to co-occur with sexual risk behavior [21,28,29]; by addressing mental and behavioral health, sexual risk is concomitantly addressed [26,43-45]. Prevention interventions that address HIV-related syndemics associated with stigma against YGBM are much needed in countries such as Romania.…”

Sexual orientation openness and depression symptoms: A population-based study.

“…Two meta-analyses compiled evidence and found support for the positive bivariate associations of victimization and childhood abuse, lack of supportive environments, and negative disclosure reactions with alcohol, tobacco, and drug use and sexual risk behavior among sexual minority youth (Goldbach et al, 2014;Schneeberger et al, 2014), whereas another meta-analysis found inconclusive results (Goldbach et al, 2015). Other studies also have positively associated internalized homophobia, expectations of rejection, discrimination, victimization, and structural stigma with health risk behaviors, such as increased use of alcohol, drugs, and tobacco and sexual risk behavior among sexual minority men (Balaji et al, 2017;Hamilton & Mahalik, 2009;Hatzenbuehler et al, 2008;Leluţiu-Weinberger et al, 2019;Nakamura & Zea, 2010;Pachankis, Hatzenbuehler, Hickson, et al, 2015;Preston et al, 2004;Puckett et al, 2017;Rendina et al, 2017;Rosario et al, 2014;Tulloch et al, 2015). Among sexual minority women, discrimination and victimization were positively associated with alcohol use, tobacco use, and sexual risk behavior (Gamarel et al, 2015;Logie et al, 2016;Rosario et al, 2014).…”

Development and Validation of HIV/AIDS Stigma and Discrimination Scale in Southeast Iran: The General Population Viewpoint

“… 12 , 13 One of the HIV/AIDS preventive behaviors is a voluntary counseling test but HIV/AIDS-related stigma is a major barrier to it, 14 which may further endanger prevention and treatment. 12 , 15 , 16 …”

“…12,13 One of the HIV/AIDS preventive behaviors is a voluntary counseling test but HIV/AIDS-related stigma is a major barrier to it, 14 which may further endanger prevention and treatment. 12,15,16 It is necessary to recognize stigma, discrimination, and their different dimensions well to adopt the best strategy for stigma. For this purpose, various instruments and questionnaires have been designed to assess different aspects of HIV/AIDS-related stigma and discrimination including behavior and attitude.…”