The Association of Stigma and Discrimination, Knowledge, Self- Efficacy on HIV/ Aids Among LGBT And Their Access to HIV/ Aids Prevention Services in Baguio City and Benguet Province

Abstract

With the increasing incidence of HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus), treatments and diagnostics are being established; however, gaps in access to HIV/AIDS prevention services, experience with stigma and discrimination, levels of knowledge, and self-efficacy among gay and bisexual men and trans women (GBT) population are common barriers on the implementation of HIV/AIDS prevention services, which resulted to significantly decreased in the uptake of HIV screening from the last ten years in the Philippines. To describe the levels of stigma and discrimination, knowledge, self-efficacy and determine its association in accessing HIV/AIDS prevention services among GBT population. A descriptive cross-sectional survey method was used to accomplish the objectives of this study. A sample size of 152 respondents was obtained using snowball sampling who live in Baguio City and Benguet Province, are at least 18 years old, and identify as gay, bisexual men, and trans women (GBT). Measures used are HIV/AIDS-related stigma and discrimination, knowledge, self-efficacy, and access to HIV/AIDS prevention services after English translation/back translation was established. Survey questionnaires are issued following institutional review board ethical approval. The means and associations of variables are analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. GBT experiences moderate stigma and discrimination, while trans women experience significant discrimination. Gay and bisexual men are slightly knowledgeable about HIV/AIDS prevention services, while trans women are moderately knowledgeable. GBT are highly capable in accessing HIV/AIDS prevention programs. There is no significant difference in HIV & AIDS-related stigma and discrimination and status of self-efficacy in accessing HIV/AIDS services when grouped according to age and employment. Results showed significant differences in the knowledge of HIV/AIDS prevention between age and employment categories among GBT. In contrast, there are no significant differences found in HIV/AIDS-related stigma & discrimination, knowledge, and self-efficacy in accessing HIV/AIDS services when grouped according to their frequency of access. While gay, bisexual, and trans women increase their access to HIV/AIDS prevention services such as screening and condom and lubricant use, the more they experience or feel discrimination and stigma. However, those who accessed PEP services are related to their significant knowledge of HIV/AIDS prevention. Additionally, the more they experience HIV/AIDS-related stigma and discrimination, the lesser they will access PEP services. Healthcare institutions may consider practical approaches to accommodate the needs and concerns of the GBT population regarding their access to HIV/AIDS prevention services to reduce and prevent the feeling and experiences of discrimination and stigma. Health-related organizations and LGUs may create forums that target the GBT community to be engaged in activities that will strengthen their knowledge of the issue and reduce the stigma and discrimination that they are experiencing, such as organizing local, national, and international celebrations of HIV and AIDS programs to promote their visibility in the community. The government, NGOs, community-based organizations, and other health-related institutions may proactively spearhead activities and initiatives to promote HIV/AIDS prevention awareness of GBT. Moderate knowledge amongst the employed population group suggests that program implementers may consider targeting employers to be able to encourage their employees to be educated regarding HIV/ AIDS prevention services. Government and non-government organizations (FPOP, Balay Marvi, and Love Yourself) can broaden their scope in providing access to counseling and other forms of social support through the use of local social media platforms by creating an environment that is conducive to openness, disclosure, and acceptance among the LGBTQ community and to target schools and out of schools’ youth and individuals with HIV/AIDS prevention services.