Journal of Health Psychology
Volume 21, Issue 12, 2016, Pages 3079-3091

Concealment, communication and stigma: The perspectives of HIV-positive immigrant Black African men and their partners living in the United Kingdom (Article)

Owuor J.O.A.* , Locke A. , Heyman B. , Clifton A.
  • a Global Health (IHCAR), Department of Public Health Sciences, Karolinska Institutet, Tomtebodav 18A, Stockholm, 171 77, Sweden, University of Huddersfield, United Kingdom, Institute for Research on Migration, Ethnicity and Society (REMESO), Linköping University, Sweden
  • b University of Huddersfield, United Kingdom
  • c University of Huddersfield, United Kingdom
  • d University of Huddersfield, United Kingdom

Abstract

This study explored the perspectives of Black men, originally from East Africa, living in the United Kingdom and their partners on what it means to live with diagnosed HIV. This article reports on concealment of HIV-positive status as a strategy adopted by the affected participants to manage the flow of information about their HIV-positive status. Analysis of the data, collected using in-depth interviews involving 23 participants, found widespread selective concealment of HIV-positive status. However, a few respondents had 'come out' publicly about their condition. HIV prevention initiatives should recognise concealment as a vital strategy in managing communication about one's HIV-positive status. © The Author(s) 2015.

Author Keywords

psychosocial support concealment disclosure risks Stigma HIV African immigrants Family

Index Keywords

HIV Infections Human immunodeficiency virus infection Communication interpersonal communication human sexuality middle aged Sexual Partners statistics and numerical data ethnology Surveys and Questionnaires Humans migrant psychology Black person African Continental Ancestry Group male Emigrants and Immigrants questionnaire Social Stigma adult United Kingdom
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85001052449&doi=10.1177%2f1359105315593379&partnerID=40&md5=6252420bc5977ff4e284c00695587ca2
DOI: 10.1177/1359105315593379
ISSN: 13591053
Cited by: 4
Original Language: English