HIV Diagnosis as a Biographical Disruption: A Qualitative Study Among Young Gay and Bisexual Men Living with HIV Open Access

Abstract

Young black gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (YB-GBMSM) are disproportionately impacted by the HIV epidemic. A positive HIV diagnosis emits diverse reactions because of the very nature of HIV and its social implications on individuals and their families. Few studies have explored the emotional, and psychosocial effects of a HIV diagnosis on YB-GBMSM. This study seeks to explore the experiences of YB-GBMSM following a HIV diagnosis and their coping mechanisms postdiagnosis in relation to their identity. Semi-structured qualitative in-depth interviews were conducted between May and October 2017 with 28 HIV-positive YB-GBMSM. Participants ranged in age from 18 to 29 years, with an average of 3 years since clinical diagnosis of HIV/AIDS. All participants were receiving ART, and self-reported high adherence level. YB-GBMSM had different experiences following their HIV diagnosis. The process of integrating HIV into their identity post-diagnosis incorporated several levels of identity transition with some participants experiencing full identity transitions and others’ partial identity transitions. Resources and coping strategies were mobilized as a form of dealing with the disruptive effects of the HIV diagnosis. Postdiagnosis turning points consisted of a focus on integration of past identity with new identity, social support from family members, friends, HIV community and efforts at normality. Postdiagnosis phase for our participants were characterized by a turning point and focus to survive and thrive. Thus, an in-depth understanding of an individual's connotation and interpretation of a HIV-positive diagnosis and their relevant experiences are crucial for self-management and improved health outcomes.

Table of Contents

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

LIST OF TABLES

LIST OF FIGURES

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

1.1 GLOBAL EPIDEMIOLOGY OF HIV/AIDS

1.2 EPIDEMIOLOGY OF HIV/AIDS IN THE UNITED STATES

1.3 PROBLEM STATEMENT

1.4 PURPOSE STATEMENT

1.5 RESEARCH OBJECTIVE

1.6 THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK

1.7 SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT

DEFINITION OF TERMS

CHAPTER 2: COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE

2.1 HIV as a Biographical Disruption

2.2 HIV as a Chronic Illness

2.3 HIV Resilience among YB- GBMSM

2.4 HIV, Identity, Age and Race/Ethnicity

2.5 HIV and Coping

CHAPTER 3: MANUSCRIPT

3.1 ABSTRACT

3.2 INTRODUCTION

3.3 METHODOLOGY

3.4 RESULTS

3.5 DISCUSSION

3.6   STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS

3.7   MANUSCRIPT REFERENCES

CHAPTER 4: CONCLUSION, PUBLIC IMPLICATIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

4.1 CONCLUSION

4.2 PUBLIC HEALTH IMPLICATIONS

4.3 RECOMMENDATIONS

THESIS REFERENCES

LIST OF TABLES

Table 1: Excerpts from interview guide

 

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1

 

About this Master's Thesis

Rights statement

• Permission granted by the author to include this thesis or dissertation in this repository. All rights reserved by the author. Please contact the author for information regarding the reproduction and use of this thesis or dissertation.

School	Rollins School of Public Health
Department	Hubert Department of Global Health
Degree	M.P.H.
Submission	Master's Thesis
Language	English
Research Field	Health Sciences, Public Health
Keyword	Coping Biographical disruption YB- GBMSM HIV Identity
Committee Chair / Thesis Advisor	Sophia A. Hussen, Emory University

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