Shufang Sun1, Natasha Crooks2, Rebecca Kemnitz3, Ryan P Westergaard3. 1. Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, USA. Electronic address: shufang.sun@wisc.edu. 2. Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, USA. 3. Division of Infectious Disease, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA.
Abstract
RATIONALE: Both the HIV epidemic and incarceration disproportionately affect Black men in the United States. A critical period for incarcerated Black men living with HIV/AIDS is re-entry into the community, which is often associated with adverse health outcomes. Additionally, Black men living with HIV/AIDS involved in the criminal justice system are burdened by multiple, intersecting disadvantaged identities and social positions. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine community re-entry experiences among Black men living with HIV/AIDS from an intersectional perspective. METHOD: In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 16 incarcerated Black men in Wisconsin, at pre-release from prison and six months after re-entry. Thematic analysis guided by intersectionality theory was used to analyze interview transcripts. RESULTS: Seven emerged themes included Intersectional Identities and Social Positions, Family Support, Neighborhood Violence, Relationship with Law Enforcement, Employment, Mental Health Concerns, and Medical Care and Medication Management. Intersecting identities and social positions interact with factors at multiple levels to inform health and HIV care. A conceptual framework was developed to illustrate relationships among themes. CONCLUSIONS: Findings demonstrate the relevance of intersectionality theory in HIV care with Black men involved in criminal justice system. Incorporating a social-ecological perspective into intersectionality framework could be useful in theoretical and empirical research. Disenfranchised communities may particularly benefit from interventions that address community- and systemic-level issues.
RATIONALE: Both the HIV epidemic and incarceration disproportionately affect Black men in the United States. A critical period for incarcerated Black men living with HIV/AIDS is re-entry into the community, which is often associated with adverse health outcomes. Additionally, Black men living with HIV/AIDS involved in the criminal justice system are burdened by multiple, intersecting disadvantaged identities and social positions. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine community re-entry experiences among Black men living with HIV/AIDS from an intersectional perspective. METHOD: In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 16 incarcerated Black men in Wisconsin, at pre-release from prison and six months after re-entry. Thematic analysis guided by intersectionality theory was used to analyze interview transcripts. RESULTS: Seven emerged themes included Intersectional Identities and Social Positions, Family Support, Neighborhood Violence, Relationship with Law Enforcement, Employment, Mental Health Concerns, and Medical Care and Medication Management. Intersecting identities and social positions interact with factors at multiple levels to inform health and HIV care. A conceptual framework was developed to illustrate relationships among themes. CONCLUSIONS: Findings demonstrate the relevance of intersectionality theory in HIV care with Black men involved in criminal justice system. Incorporating a social-ecological perspective into intersectionality framework could be useful in theoretical and empirical research. Disenfranchised communities may particularly benefit from interventions that address community- and systemic-level issues.
Authors: Daniel M Woznica; Nasiphi Ntombela; Christopher J Hoffmann; Tonderai Mabuto; Michelle R Kaufman; Sarah M Murray; Jill Owczarzak Journal: AIDS Educ Prev Date: 2021-06
Authors: Gladys E Ibañez; Zhi Zhou; Angel B Algarin; Disler V Ayala; Emma C Spencer; Charurut Somboonwit; Greg Matthew Teo; Robert L Cook Journal: AIDS Behav Date: 2021-05-06