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Alibudbud R. Enhancing Nursing Education to Address LGBTQ+ Healthcare Needs: Perspectives from the Philippines. SAGE Open Nurs 2024; 10:23779608241251632. [PMID: 38681864 PMCID: PMC11055477 DOI: 10.1177/23779608241251632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Enhancing healthcare professionals' education and training to effectively manage the healthcare needs of People Identifying as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and other Sexual and Gender Minorities (LGBTQ+) is imperative. Recognizing the importance of mitigating LGBTQ+ health disparities, healthcare associations have affirmed their commitment to providing inclusive and culturally competent healthcare. However, despite these efforts, there is still a gap in LGBTQ+-specific teaching within nursing and other healthcare professionals' schools, resulting in healthcare professionals being ill-equipped to meet the unique needs of LGBTQ+. To address this gap, we suggest integrating LGBTQ+ health content into healthcare training programs, focusing on the Philippine nursing curriculum. Drawing from various reports, including insights from discussions with the local LGBTQ+, the suggested topics include LGBTQ+ identities, sexual health, trans health, mental health, and social determinants of LGBTQ+ health. By fostering understanding and competence through education, equitable and inclusive healthcare practices for LGBTQ+ can be better cultivated, helping to ensure that the unique healthcare needs of LGBTQ+ are met effectively. Furthermore, it is necessary to share best practices for providing health services to LGBTQ+ people. Additionally, future studies can explore the median time allocated to LGBTQ+ teaching, the optimal number of teaching hours for LGBTQ+ content, and the specific contents of local nursing curricula that can better address their needs. By undertaking these steps, we can move toward effectively addressing the unique healthcare needs of LGBTQ+.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rowalt Alibudbud
- Department of Sociology and Behavioral Sciences, De La Salle University, Manila City, Philippines
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Wong CS, Wei L, Kim YS. HIV Late Presenters in Asia: Management and Public Health Challenges. AIDS Res Treat 2023; 2023:9488051. [PMID: 37351535 PMCID: PMC10284655 DOI: 10.1155/2023/9488051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 03/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Many individuals are diagnosed with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection at an advanced stage of illness and are considered late presenters. We define late presentation as a CD4 cell count below 350 cells/mm3 at the time of HIV diagnosis, or presenting with an AIDS-defining illness regardless of CD4 count. Across Asia, an estimated 34-72% of people diagnosed with HIV are late presenters. HIV late presenters generally have a higher disease burden and higher comorbidity such as opportunistic infections than those who are diagnosed earlier. They also have a higher mortality rate and generally exhibit poorer immune recovery following combined antiretroviral therapy (cART). As such, late HIV presentation leads to increased resource burden and costs to healthcare systems. HIV late presentation also poses an increased risk of community transmission since the transmission rate from people unaware of their HIV status is approximately 3.5 times higher than that of early presenters. There are several factors which contribute to HIV late presentation. Fear of stigmatisation and discrimination are significant barriers to both testing and accessing treatment. A lack of perceived risk and a lack of knowledge by individuals also contribute to late presentation. Lack of referral for testing by healthcare providers is another identified barrier in China and may extend to other regions across Asia. Effective strategies are still needed to reduce the incidence of late presentation across Asia. Key areas of focus should be increasing community awareness of the risk of HIV, reducing stigma and discrimination in testing, and educating healthcare professionals on the need for early testing and on the most effective ways to engage with people living with HIV. Recent initiatives such as intensified patient adherence support programs and HIV self-testing also have the potential to improve access to testing and reduce late diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Seong Wong
- National Centre for Infectious Diseases, Singapore
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Lyu Wei
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital in Beijing, Beijing, China
| | - Yeon-Sook Kim
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Chungnam National University School of Medicine, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
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Gangcuangco LMA, Eustaquio PC. The State of the HIV Epidemic in the Philippines: Progress and Challenges in 2023. Trop Med Infect Dis 2023; 8:tropicalmed8050258. [PMID: 37235306 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8050258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
In the past decade, the Philippines has gained notoriety as the country with the fastest-growing human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic in the Western Pacific region. While the overall trends of HIV incidence and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)-related deaths are declining globally, an increase in new cases was reported to the HIV/AIDS and ART Registry of the Philippines. From 2012 to 2023, there was a 411% increase in daily incidence. Late presentation in care remains a concern, with 29% of new confirmed HIV cases in January 2023 having clinical manifestations of advanced HIV disease at the time of diagnosis. Men having sex with men (MSM) are disproportionately affected. Various steps have been taken to address the HIV epidemic in the country. The Philippine HIV and AIDS Policy Act of 2018 (Republic Act 11166) expanded access to HIV testing and treatment. HIV testing now allows for the screening of minors 15-17 years old without parental consent. Community-based organizations have been instrumental in expanding HIV screening to include self-testing and community-based screening. The Philippines moved from centralized HIV diagnosis confirmation by Western blot to a decentralized rapid HIV diagnostic algorithm (rHIVda). Dolutegravir-based antiretroviral therapy is now the first line. Pre-exposure prophylaxis in the form of emtricitabine-tenofovir disoproxil fumarate has been rolled out. The number of treatment hubs and primary HIV care facilities continues to increase. Despite these efforts, barriers to ending the HIV epidemic remain, including continued stigma, limited harm reduction services for people who inject drugs, sociocultural factors, and political deterrents. HIV RNA quantification and drug resistance testing are not routinely performed due to associated costs. The high burden of tuberculosis and hepatitis B virus co-infection complicate HIV management. CRF_01AE is now the predominant subtype, which has been associated with poorer clinical outcomes and faster CD4 T-cell decline. The HIV epidemic in the Philippines requires a multisectoral approach and calls for sustained political commitment, community involvement, and continued collaboration among various stakeholders. In this article, we outline the current progress and challenges in curbing the HIV epidemic in the Philippines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louie Mar A Gangcuangco
- Hawaii Center for AIDS, John A Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA
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Sison OT, Baja ES, Bermudez ANC, Quilantang MIN, Dalmacion GV, Guevara EG, Garces-Bacsal RM, Hemingway C, Taegtmeyer M, Operario D, Biello KB. Association of anticipated HIV testing stigma and provider mistrust on preference for HIV self-testing among cisgender men who have sex with men in the Philippines. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:2362. [PMID: 36527003 PMCID: PMC9756449 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-14834-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND New HIV infections in the Philippines are increasing at an alarming rate. However, over three quarters of men who have sex with men (MSM) have never been tested for HIV. HIV self-testing (HIVST) may increase overall testing rates by removing barriers, particularly fear of stigmatization and mistrust of providers. This study aimed to determine if these factors are associated with preference for HIVST among Filipino cisgender MSM (cis-MSM), and whether there is an interaction between anticipated HIV testing stigma and provider mistrust on preference for HIVST. METHODS We conducted secondary analysis of a one-time survey of 803 cis-MSM who were recruited using purposive sampling from online MSM dating sites and MSM-themed bar locations in Metro Manila, Philippines. Summary statistics were computed to describe participant characteristics. Multivariable modified Poisson regression analyses were conducted to determine if anticipated HIV testing stigma and provider mistrust were associated with preference for HIVST among cis-MSM. Other variables such as age, education, monthly income, relationship status, HIV serostatus, and knowing where to get HIV testing were the minimal sufficient adjustment set in the analyses. RESULTS Average age of participants was 28.6 years (SD = 8.0); most had received college degrees (73%) and were employed (80%). Most respondents (81%) preferred facility-based testing, while 19% preferred HIVST. A high percentage of participants reported anticipated HIV testing stigma (66%) and provider mistrust (44%). Anticipated HIV testing stigma (aPR = 1.51; 95% CI = 1.01-2.25, p = 0.046) and provider mistrust (aPR = 1.49; 95% CI = 1.07-2.09, p = 0.020) were independently associated with a preference for HIVST. There was a positive, additive interaction between provider mistrust and anticipated HIV testing stigma on preference for HIVST (RERI = 1.13, 95% CI: 0.20-2.06; p = 0.017), indicating that the association between anticipated HIV testing stigma and preference for HIVST is greater among those with provider mistrust compared to those without provider mistrust. CONCLUSIONS HIVST should be offered as a supplement to traditional facility-based HIV testing services in the Philippines to expand testing and reach individuals who may not undergo testing due to anticipated HIV testing stigma and provider mistrust.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia T. Sison
- grid.40263.330000 0004 1936 9094Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI USA ,grid.40263.330000 0004 1936 9094The Philippine Health Initiative for Research, Service, and Training, Brown University Global Health Initiative, Providence, RI USA ,grid.11159.3d0000 0000 9650 2179Institute of Clinical Epidemiology, National Institutes of Health, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines ,grid.11159.3d0000 0000 9650 2179Department of Clinical Epidemiology, College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines
| | - Emmanuel S. Baja
- grid.11159.3d0000 0000 9650 2179Institute of Clinical Epidemiology, National Institutes of Health, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines ,grid.11159.3d0000 0000 9650 2179Department of Clinical Epidemiology, College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines
| | - Amiel Nazer C. Bermudez
- grid.40263.330000 0004 1936 9094Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI USA ,grid.40263.330000 0004 1936 9094The Philippine Health Initiative for Research, Service, and Training, Brown University Global Health Initiative, Providence, RI USA ,grid.11159.3d0000 0000 9650 2179Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines
| | - Ma. Irene N. Quilantang
- grid.40263.330000 0004 1936 9094The Philippine Health Initiative for Research, Service, and Training, Brown University Global Health Initiative, Providence, RI USA ,grid.40263.330000 0004 1936 9094Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI USA ,grid.11159.3d0000 0000 9650 2179Department of Behavioral Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines
| | - Godofreda V. Dalmacion
- grid.11159.3d0000 0000 9650 2179Department of Clinical Epidemiology, College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines
| | - Ernest Genesis Guevara
- grid.11159.3d0000 0000 9650 2179Institute of Clinical Epidemiology, National Institutes of Health, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines
| | - Rhoda Myra Garces-Bacsal
- grid.43519.3a0000 0001 2193 6666Department of Special Education, College of Education, United Arab Emirates University, P.O. Box 15551, Al Ain, UAE
| | - Charlotte Hemingway
- grid.48004.380000 0004 1936 9764Department of International Public Health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Palace Liverpool, Liverpool, L3 5QA UK
| | - Miriam Taegtmeyer
- grid.48004.380000 0004 1936 9764Department of International Public Health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Palace Liverpool, Liverpool, L3 5QA UK ,grid.415970.e0000 0004 0417 2395Tropical Infectious Disease Unit, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Prescot Street, Liverpool, L7 8XP UK
| | - Don Operario
- grid.40263.330000 0004 1936 9094The Philippine Health Initiative for Research, Service, and Training, Brown University Global Health Initiative, Providence, RI USA ,grid.189967.80000 0001 0941 6502Department of Behavioral, Social, and Health Education Sciences, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA USA
| | - Katie B. Biello
- grid.40263.330000 0004 1936 9094Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI USA ,grid.40263.330000 0004 1936 9094Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI USA
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Budzyńska J, Patryn R, Kozioł I, Leśniewska M, Kopystecka A, Skubel T. Self-Testing as a Hope to Reduce HIV in Transgender Women—Literature Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19159331. [PMID: 35954695 PMCID: PMC9368376 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19159331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2022] [Revised: 07/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
So far, the rate of HIV-positive people who do not know their sero-status is about 14% and the percentage is higher among transgender women (TGW). They represent one of the most vulnerable groups to infection. HIV self-testing (HIVST) may be a way to reduce transmission of the virus. The aim of this analysis and in-depth review was to collect available data on factors that may influence the use and dissemination of HIVST among TGW. This review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews and meta-analyses. All data from 48 papers were used. From the available literature, HIVST is a convenient and preferred method of testing due to its high confidentiality and possibility of being performed at home. However, there are barriers that limit its use, including marginalization of transgender people, stigma by medical personnel, lack of acceptance of sexual partners, and even cultural standards. Therefore, there is a need for activities that promote and inform on the possibility of using HIVST as well as enable easier access to it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Budzyńska
- Students’ Scientific Group on Medical Law, Department of Humanities and Social Medicine, Medical University of Lublin, 20-059 Lublin, Poland; (I.K.); (M.L.); (A.K.); (T.S.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Rafał Patryn
- Department of Humanities and Social Medicine, Medical University of Lublin, 20-059 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Ilona Kozioł
- Students’ Scientific Group on Medical Law, Department of Humanities and Social Medicine, Medical University of Lublin, 20-059 Lublin, Poland; (I.K.); (M.L.); (A.K.); (T.S.)
| | - Magdalena Leśniewska
- Students’ Scientific Group on Medical Law, Department of Humanities and Social Medicine, Medical University of Lublin, 20-059 Lublin, Poland; (I.K.); (M.L.); (A.K.); (T.S.)
| | - Agnieszka Kopystecka
- Students’ Scientific Group on Medical Law, Department of Humanities and Social Medicine, Medical University of Lublin, 20-059 Lublin, Poland; (I.K.); (M.L.); (A.K.); (T.S.)
| | - Tomasz Skubel
- Students’ Scientific Group on Medical Law, Department of Humanities and Social Medicine, Medical University of Lublin, 20-059 Lublin, Poland; (I.K.); (M.L.); (A.K.); (T.S.)
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