Using Narrative Films to Combat HIV-Related Stigma in Western Kenya: An Exploratory Pilot Study of Adolescents Living With HIV and Their Caregivers

• Main Authors: Brittany M. McCoy MD (Author), Carole I. McAteer MS (Author), Celestine Ashimosi (Author), Josephine Aluoch MS (Author), C. Thomas Lewis MFA (Author), Winstone Nyandiko MBChB, MMED, MPH (Author), Rachel C. Vreeman MD, MS (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: SAGE Publishing, 2024-02-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.

Summary

Objective. Interventions that effectively address HIV-related stigma are urgently needed to improve outcomes for adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV). We piloted a series of 4 short narrative films depicting Kenyan ALHIV's lived experiences of stigma and discrimination with 57 ALHIV and 50 adult caregivers of ALHIV in western Kenya. Methods. Participants completed either pre- and post-viewing questionnaires, including an HIV/AIDS-related stigma and discrimination scale, or participated in post-viewing focus group discussions. Three-month follow-up visits were conducted. Results. Caregivers endorsed significantly greater disagreement with stigmatizing statements on the scale at 3-month follow-up, whereas adolescents had no significant differences in scores. Participants reported they believed the films would have a positive impact on their communities and had led to changes in their own attitudes, beliefs and/or behavior. Conclusion. The HIV Stigma Films may show promise as an intervention to reduce stigmatizing attitudes and beliefs about HIV-infection, especially among caregivers of ALHIV.

Item Description

2333-794X
10.1177/2333794X241234566