- HIV/AIDS Research and Interventions
- HIV, Drug Use, Sexual Risk
- Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health
- LGBTQ Health, Identity, and Policy
- Sex work and related issues
- African Sexualities and LGBTQ+ Issues
- Adolescent and Pediatric Healthcare
- Substance Abuse Treatment and Outcomes
- Mental Health Treatment and Access
- Employment and Welfare Studies
- Poverty, Education, and Child Welfare
- Community Health and Development
- Reproductive tract infections research
- Disability Rights and Representation
- Elder Abuse and Neglect
- Aging, Elder Care, and Social Issues
- Ethics in Clinical Research
- Intergenerational Family Dynamics and Caregiving
University of Rochester
2023-2025
University of Ghana
2024
University of Rochester Medical Center
2023-2024
Yale University
2023-2024
University at Buffalo, State University of New York
2024
University of South Florida
2024
Binghamton University
2021-2024
The University of Texas at Arlington
2024
Ghana Health Service
2024
Davidson College
2024
Abstract Background Gay, bisexual, and cis-gender men who have sex with (GBMSM) face severe consequences, especially within stigmatized environments. However, very little is known about the experiences of GBMSM living in slums SSA Ghana. This study investigates stigma, victimization, coping strategies proposes some interventional approaches for combating stigma facing slum communities. Methods We engaged two major Ghanaian cities. used a time-location sampling collected data through in-depth...
<title>Abstract</title> <bold>Background</bold> Young sexual minority men (YSMM) living in slums face high risks of contracting HIV due to poverty and limited healthcare access. Certain areas Accra's have much higher rates than the national average, around 7% compared 2%. YSMM these struggle access services, lower perceptions risk, less education, poverty, leading low testing. These also encounter increased stigma because where they live, like slum area known as "Old Fadama" or "Sodom...
Abstract Background: Trans women in Ghana and SSA face dilemmas regarding the disclosureof their gender identities due to potential discrimination they may during visits health facilities. This study investigates experiences of trans living urban slums explores factors influencing decisions disclose or withhold while seeking healthcare. Design: We used purposive snowball sampling techniques recruit 20 from Ghana’s Greater Accra Metropolitan Area conducted in-depth qualitative interviews...
<title>Abstract</title> <bold>Background </bold> While GBMSM constitute less than 2% of Ghana's population, their HIV prevalence surpasses the national average by more eightfold, emphasizing critical need for targeted interventions to improve detection, care linkage, and reduce community transmission. This study seeks increase testing, Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) uptake (HPART) among YGBMSM through adaptation an evidence-based intervention (LAFIYA)....
Despite significant progress in Ghana’s HIV response, disparities prevalence persist among different populations. Gays, bisexuals, and other men who have sex with (GBMSM) the country remain vulnerable to infection due high levels of stigma discrimination, limited access healthcare services, low knowledge levels. While studies focus on prevention care Ghanaian GBMSM context, we did not find slums. We, therefore, explored motivations testing In collaboration our community partners, recruited...
Research has begun to examine human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevention strategies within the Ghanaian context. Still, little is known about specific populations such as gay, bisexual, and other cisgender men who have sex with (GBMSM) living in slum communities. We studied HIV condoms preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) communities awareness willingness use these choices among GBMSM. This qualitative study examines strategies, specifically examining PrEP condom behaviors GBMSM Ghana.
Achieving the UNAIDS 90–90–90 targets hinges on identifying and engaging individuals with HIV in care, requiring 90% of those infected to be diagnosed, initiated ART, achieving viral suppression. Despite this imperative, testing services as well research Ghana often overlook unique experiences transgender women urban slums, impacting their engagement care. Using gender affirmative model lens, study reports trans Ghanaian highlighting how healthcare environment, counseling, provider attitudes...
<title>Abstract</title> <bold>Background:</bold> Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is an effective HIV prevention strategy that significantly reduces transmission risks among at-risk populations. However, PrEP awareness and uptake remain low marginalized groups, including African refugee male sex workers (MSWs), who face intersecting vulnerabilities heighten their risk of infection in Europe. This study investigates awareness, usage patterns, factors influencing adoption MSWs Italy....
Among adolescents, HIV/AIDs remains a significant cause of death globally [1-4]. Given the unique stages in human development, adolescents have been shown to fall within sexually active phase. Combined with other social and structural factors their immediate environments, HIV prevention care among can be filled challenges for intervention. This paper outlines this protocol systematically review peer-reviewed literature 10-19 years. The Preferred Reporting Items Systematic Reviews...
It can be challenging for sexual minority men (SMM) to decide whether or not disclose their orientation behavior. The implications of this decision are significant, especially when considering how family might react. We interviewed individuals living in slum communities (n = 12) Accra and Kumasi, Ghana. Our study found that two factors primarily influenced the SMM orientation. Firstly, feared facing harm from families and, secondly, close ties religious institutions communities, which taught...
<title>Abstract</title> Background Achieving the UNAIDS 90–90–90 targets hinges on identifying and engaging individuals with HIV in care, requiring 90% of those infected to be diagnosed, initiated ART, achieving viral suppression. Despite this imperative, testing services as well research Ghana often overlook unique experiences transgender women urban slums, impacting their engagement care. Using gender affirmative model lens, study reports trans Ghanaian highlighting how healthcare...
<title>Abstract</title> Despite a higher HIV prevalence (28%) among trans-women compared to other groups, no studies have examined testing preferences in Ghana. However, they continue face individual and structural barriers the country. This study therefore marks first investigation into or self-testing of A community organization used snowballing recruit (n=20) participate face-to-face interviews about their experiences with perspectives comparison traditional clinics. Using NVIVO, we coded...
Abstract Despite significant progress in Ghana’s HIV response, disparities prevalence persist among different populations. Gays, bisexuals, and other men who have sex with (GBMSM) the country remain vulnerable to infection due high levels of stigma discrimination, limited access healthcare services, low knowledge levels. While studies focus on prevention care Ghanaian GBMSM context, we did not find slums. We, therefore, explored motivations testing In collaboration our community partners,...
Abstract Young Black men who have sex with (BMSM) in the USA face disproportionate rates of HIV incidence. Mental health vulnerabilities, including depression, anxiety, substance use, and trauma, further exacerbate epidemic among this population. Internalized homophobia, discrimination, depression contribute to elevated suicidal behavior young BMSM, which turn may influence engagement prevention behaviors, such as testing. However, limited research has examined interplay internalized testing...
<title>Abstract</title> Among adolescents, HIV/AIDs remain the second leading cause of death globally<sup>1</sup>. Given unique stages in human development, adolescents have been shown to fall within a sexually active phase. Combined with other social and structural factors their immediate environments, HIV prevention care among can be filled challenges for intervention. This paper outlines this protocol systematically review peer-reviewed literature 10–19 years. The Preferred Reporting...
<title>Abstract</title> Trans-women in Ghana experience stigma from institutions, social groups, and individuals. Yet, studies are needed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the nature experienced by trans-women, especially West Africa. This study employs an ecological model qualitatively explore ecology experiences trans-women living urban slums Accra, (N=20). Findings revealed across various levels. At public policy level, LGBTQ+ bill emerged as key driver stigma. Various...
<title>Abstract</title> Transwomen women in Ghana face significant challenges accessing HIV prevention and care services due to the immense marginalization discrimination they encounter from healthcare system professionals. Given these challenges, it is imperative have change agents advocates form of peer educators support transwomen ease their difficulties, particularly for those under-resourced communities, utilizing services.<bold> </bold>To understand role facilitating slum communities...
Abstract Background Gays, bisexuals, and cis-gender men who have sex with (GBMSM) face severe consequences, especially within stigmatized environments. However, very little is known about the experiences of GBMSM living in slums SSA Ghana. This study investigates stigma, victimization, coping strategies proposes some interventional approaches for combating stigma facing slum communities. Methods We engaged two major Ghanaian cities. used a time-location sampling collected data through...