Influence of stigma and homophobia on mental health and on the uptake of HIV/sexually transmissible infection services for Cameroonian men who have sex with men

• DOI: 10.1071/sh15001
• Publication Date: 2015-06-28T23:27:17Z
• Authors: Charles W. Cange; Matthew LeBreton; Serge Billong; Karen Saylors; Ubald Tamoufe; Erin Papworth; Yves Yomb; Stefan Baral
• Keywords: Stigma; Social stigma

Background Men who have sex with men (MSM) in Cameroon consistently face significant stigma and discrimination. The urban HIV prevalence MSM is estimated at 35%. This study investigates the effect of stigma, discrimination alienation on Cameroonian MSM’s engagement treatment cascade. Methods: Qualitative interviews were semi-structured using a guide. Participants Douala, Ngaoundere, Bamenda, Bertoua Yaoundé asked to describe social structural context, knowledge existing HIV-related services public MSM-focussed non-governmental organisation (NGO) clinics. Using codebook, coded text was extracted from 40 transcripts Microsoft Word Macros. These texts analysed for recurring themes that developed into results. Results: There three main emerged. First, among those participants seeking services, many commonly reported experiences physical violence outside healthcare setting. Second, few respondents used provided by Ministry Health local NGOs. However, most observed limited clinical cultural competency clinic staff. Third, declared lack support access caused them much stress. Several individuals recounted their greatly discouraged prevention, care services. Conclusions: Community-level healthcare-related impacts mental wellbeing MSM. Alienation also represents common obstacle uptake MSM-oriented HIV/AIDS Improving provider health workers combined broader stigma-reduction intervention may increase