“You’re in an Image of a Man but Not a Man”: A Qualitative Analysis of Intersectional Stigma Among Men with HIV Experiencing Subfertility in Rural Southwestern Uganda

• DOI: 10.1007/s10461-025-04611-3
• Publication Date: 2025-01-17T01:52:06Z
• Authors: Madeline C. Pratt; Moran M. Owembabazi; Alex T. Menninger; Eunice Kanini; B. Rosemary Kansiime; Patricia M. Smith; Janet M. Turan; Lynn T. Matthews; Esther C. Atukunda
• Keywords: Stigma; Health psychology; Social stigma; Qualitative analysis

Many men with HIV (MWH) want to have children and may encounter HIV- infertility-related stigma experiences. Integration of reproductive health care for is rare. When available, safer conception focuses on prevention but lacks fertility support. We conducted qualitative in-depth interviews in Uganda 30 MWH who desired more self-reported no partner pregnancy after 12 or months attempts. separately interviewed 10 female partners. Interviews explored experiences factors impacting engagement care. used vignettes elicit responses stories couples experiencing challenges subfertility. The study team discussed, coded, analyzed data from individual participant interview transcripts, inductively identifying emergent themes. following overarching themes emerged: (1) Reproductive goals often take priority over among HIV-affected this context, influenced by multi-level subfertility society. (2) pursue behaviors that increase risk transmission meet their goals. (3) Men women are eager maintain primary partnerships, prevent transmission, guidance healthcare providers. Further research needed the causes infertility East Africa better support Additionally, studies intersection high-fertility, high-HIV prevalence areas essential designing interventions couples' social, emotional, medical needs.