Stigma Regarding HIV and Sexual Identity as Barriers to Accessing HIV Testing and Prevention Services Among Gay and Bisexual Migrants in Australia

Abstract

AbstractIntroductionStigma is a significant contributor to the HIV diagnosis disparities experienced among migrants who are gay and bisexual men (GBM) living in high-income countries.MethodsWe conducted interviews with 24 migrant GBM in Australia diagnosed with HIV from 2017 onwards, who since their diagnosis had become well-connected to sexual health services and participation in research. Interviews were conducted between October 2018 and December 2019. We aimed to identify how HIV and sexual identity stigmas were barriers to accessing HIV testing and prevention.ResultsThese stigmas were deeply embedded into social, cultural, and institutional settings in participants’ countries of origin, resulting in poor HIV literacy, reluctance to access HIV-related services, including HIV testing, and fears of being identified as gay/bisexual publicly. Underpinned by internalised stigma, these fears and poor outcomes often persisted after moving to Australia. Other barriers to accessing HIV-related services in Australia included apprehension about a potential HIV-positive result and the possibility of visa cancellation, concerns about confidentiality, and a lack of confidence and support in navigating the healthcare system, including how to access pre-exposure prophylaxis.ConclusionAddressing these multifaceted HIV testing and prevention barriers requires policies, systems, and interventions that increase health literacy about HIV testing, prevention, and treatment; build trust and confidence when navigating Australian health services; and reduce the impacts of HIV and sexual identity stigmas in migrants’ countries of origin on their experiences in Australia.