The Impact of Intersectional Discrimination and Stigma on HIV Care for African, Caribbean, and Black Women Living With HIV During the COVID-19 Pandemic in British Columbia: A Descriptive Study

• Published in: The Journal of the Association of Nurses in AIDS Care Vol. 35; no. 3; pp. 175 - 188
• Main Authors: Ojukwu, Emmanuela, Hirani, Saima, Sotindjo, Tatiana, McKay, Emily, Okedo-Alex, Ijeoma, Magagula, Patience, Pashaei, Ava, Agudosi, Ginikachukwu Marylinda
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Ovid Technologies 01.05.2024; Wolters Kluwer
• Subjects: Adult; African People; Black people; Black People - psychology; British Columbia - epidemiology; Caribbean People; Caribbean Region - ethnology; COVID-19; COVID-19 - epidemiology; COVID-19 - psychology; Discrimination; Female; Gender identity; HIV; HIV Infections - ethnology; HIV Infections - psychology; Human immunodeficiency virus; Humans; Intersectionality; Interviews; Interviews as Topic; Middle Aged; Pandemics; Qualitative Research; Quality of life; Quality of Life - psychology; Race; Racism - psychology; SARS-CoV-2; Sexual orientation; Social Stigma; Social support; Stigma; Support groups; Women; British Columbia; Caribbean Region
• ISSN: 1055-3290; 1552-6917; 1552-6917
• DOI: 10.1097/JNC.0000000000000457

African, Caribbean, and Black women living with HIV (ACB WWH) in British Columbia experience discrimination on the basis of their race, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, and HIV status. The various forms of stigma that ACB WWH experience intersect to create a uniquely marginalized experience that has negative consequences for quality of life and overall well-being. Eighteen semistructured interviews were completed with ACB WWH in British Columbia. Interviews were conducted by phone, Zoom, or in-person at the participant's request. Participants consistently reported experiences of various forms of discrimination. There was additional stigmatization due to COVID-19 pandemic that negatively influenced the lives of ACB WWH. Interventions and resources are needed to support ACB WWH in navigating how to work through the multifaceted impacts of intersectional stigmatization. Efforts are needed to identify ways to continue the delivery of resources like social support groups throughout future pandemics.