Stepping out of secrecy: heterosexuality, quality of life, and experiences of HIV peer navigation in Australia.
Cult Health Sex
; 26(10): 1285-1300, 2024 Oct.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38349774
ABSTRACT
Heterosexual people make up a small, but growing proportion of people living with HIV in Australia. This article draws on semi-structured interviews with thirteen heterosexual men and women living with HIV to examine the bearing that sexual identity had on their participation in a peer navigation programme. Our analyses consider the influence of sexuality and gender on the quality of peer relations and the effects of HIV-related stigma on health service engagement and quality of life. Gender and sexuality were significant factors in establishing understanding, acceptance, and community for participants. Having their heterosexuality mirrored by a peer was affirming for men. Women instead emphasised their gendered experiences of HIV. Otherwise, participants' narratives suggested that an experienced peer could reassure, guide interactions with community and services, and ease treatment-related and nonclinical aspects of life. We see peer navigation as a promising intervention to improve the quality of life for heterosexual people living with HIV. Person-centred support from a peer may be particularly important in HIV service environments adapting to the needs of heterosexual people. Peer navigation programmes should promote choice and employ peers of diverse experiences. Implications for referral and the improvement of social services for heterosexual people living with HIV are discussed.
Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Grupo Associado
/
Qualidade de Vida
/
Infecções por HIV
/
Heterossexualidade
/
Estigma Social
Tipo de estudo:
Qualitative_research
Aspecto:
Patient_preference
Limite:
Adult
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Male
/
Middle aged
País/Região como assunto:
Oceania
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Cult Health Sex
/
Cult. health sex
/
Culture, health & sexuality
Assunto da revista:
CIENCIAS DO COMPORTAMENTO
/
CIENCIAS SOCIAIS
Ano de publicação:
2024
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Austrália
País de publicação:
Reino Unido