Jornal de AIDS e Pesquisa Clínica

The Issues of HIV Stigma Facing HIV Positive Gay Men & How They Cope Through the Mechanisms of Resilience: A Qualitative Phenomenological Transcendental Study

Abstract

Gigliello J and Ackerman ML

Men who have sex with men are at a heightened risk for contracting HIV as stigma is a worldwide problem resulting in negative physical and psychological challenges. Resilience mitigates these. Study utilized a qualitative, phenomenological, transcendental method to develop understanding the lived experiences of gay men regarding resilience mechanisms used to cope with stigma and the impacts managing stigma. Twelve HIV positive men participated in open ended interviews. Age ranged from 33-61 and years with HIV disease from 6 to 31 years. Analyses included manual coding and qualitative software. Results demonstrated coping mechanisms of strong support systems, education, and chronic illness not death, fostered resilience. Mechanism impacts showed self-care, location, keeping busy, struggles which brought strength, and spirituality/God/prayer assisted in managing HIV stigma. The study contributes to the multidimensional theory of resilience, and the ability to develop programs to mitigate HIV stigma. Future research points to replicating a larger study.