Understanding the Experiences of HIV Stigma on the Use of Spirituality of Older Black MSM Living with HIV: A Phenomenological Study

Understanding the Experiences of HIV Stigma on the Use of Spirituality of Older Black

MSM Living with HIV: A Phenomenological Study

Abstract

Background and Purpose: Previous research on HIV stigma and the use of spirituality with people living with HIV/AIDS is minimal. Moreover, the research with Black men who have sex with men (MSM) aged 50 and older is scant to non-existent. While research has explored the concepts of this study separately, there is a lack of research that merges the information on understanding the impact of stigma on the use of spirituality for older Black MSM living with HIV.

This paper helps to fill the gap by examining the lived experiences of older Black MSM living with HIV as it pertains to the intersections of age, sexual and racial minority identities, HIV stigma, and the use of spirituality. Additionally, drawing on their own experiences, participants outline a specific utility of stigma on the use of spirituality.

Methods: Ten in-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with Black MSM aged 50 and older (ages 50-68) living with HIV. The sample is predominately same gender loving (SGL) (70% SGL; 30% Bisexual), all male (100%), Black (100%), and have an undetectable HIV status (60% undetectable; 40% active viral load). Participants were recruited via posted fliers at an AIDS service organization in a Northeast area of the United States. Interviews elicited participants’ lived experiences of living with HIV, including their experiences with stigma, aging, and spirituality. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and coded thematically using Microsoft Word, guided by the principles of Moustakas van Kaam method of analysis of phenomenological data.

Findings: Data analysis revealed that older Black MSM living with HIV experienced unique challenges with HIV stigma that lead to experiences with coping and living with HIV. Some participants described lived experiences that defined a focus on having a death sentence, increased lost and loneliness, mental health issues, and various types of stigma. Alternatively, most participants identified their experiences with stigma as a motivator to use their spirituality as a coping resource. Participants noted varying definitions of spirituality that suggest that spirituality is a personal journey. Findings indicate that the use of spirituality can be initiated by experiences of stigma for Black MSM living with HIV aged 50 and older.

Most participants shared experiences of institutional and internalized types of stigma. Findings indicate that that internalized stigma was more prevalent that caused challenges with dating, disclosure, mental health, and self-medicating.

Conclusions and Implications: Findings highlight the importance of having specific information surrounding experiences of stigma of older Black MSM living with HIV. Older Black MSM identified stigma as a stressor that reinforced the use of their spirituality Findings may provide social work researchers and practitioners, community organizations, and policymakers with explanations and a deeper understanding of the challenges older Black MSM face due to HIV stigma. This study contributes to positive social change by providing practical information for social workers to inform intervention strategies that might reduce stigma and increase coping resources.