Discrimination and HIV Physical Health among Young HIV-Positive Black Men who have Sex with Men Open Access

Abstract

Discrimination and HIV Physical Health among Young HIV-Positive Black Men who have Sex with Men

By Ruth Dana

Objective: We examined associations between perceived discrimination and HIV physical health outcomes including CD4+ T cell count and HIV viral load among HIV-positive, young, black, men who have sex with men in Atlanta, GA.

 

Methods: Data were derived from the Ele[men]t study, a cohort of black MSM aged 18-29 years in Atlanta, GA. Participants were 164 HIV-positive MSM who completed computer-assisted self-interviews, HIV counseling and testing, and laboratory testing. Discrimination was assessed by the Everyday Discrimination Scale and the Major Experiences of Discrimination Scale. We employed logistic and ordinal regression to examine links between discrimination and viral suppression as well as disease progression based on CD4 count.

 

Results: Scoring highest on major experiences of discrimination was associated with having a detectable viral load compared with those not reporting discrimination, when controlling for current HIV medication and income (OR = 3.53, 95% CI = 1.14, 11.02). Clear trends did not emerge for other measures of discrimination and for disease progression.

 

Conclusion: Findings suggest a complicated relationship between perceived discrimination and HIV health, but that discrimination does play a role in viral suppression. Future study should include examinations of discrimination at structural and internal levels as well as mediating factors such as resilience and stress related growth. Additionally, socio-economic status should be carefully considered as a social determinant of health for its differential functioning among certain minority groups.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents                                                                                              Page(s)

1.     Abstract ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… iv

2.     Acknowledgements………………………………………………………………………………………………….vi

3.     Table of Contents……………………………………………………………………………………………………viI

4.     List of Tables………………………………………………………………………………………………………… viiI

5.     Introduction………………………………………………………………………………………………………….1-3

6.     Methods………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..4-7

7.     Results…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………8-10

8.     Discussion………………………………………………………………………………………………………….11-16

9.     References…………………………………………………………………………………………………………17-19

10.Tables………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..20-24

11. Figures……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..25-27

About this Master's Thesis

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School	Rollins School of Public Health
Department	Epidemiology
Subfield / Discipline	Epidemiology - MPH & MSPH
Degree	M.P.H.
Submission	Master's Thesis
Language	English
Research Field	Health Sciences, Epidemiology
Keyword	Discrimination Public Health Human Immunodeficiency Virus
Committee Chair / Thesis Advisor	Jones, Jeb, Emory University Sullivan, Patrick, Emory University
Partnering Agencies	Emory University schools, faculty or affiliated programs

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