BACKGROUND: Social marginalization and homophobia often foster the production of syndemics and health disparities among MSM populations. Despite findings of the overlap between intimate partner violence (IPV) and HIV in various other populations, research among gay and bisexual men(GBM) and MSM continues to be limited. The small set of literature that does exist suggests excess burden of disease in MSM populations, thereby revealing the public health importance of this problem. A systematic literature review was conducted with the primary objectives of synthesizing relevant literature addressing the intersection of HIV and IPV among MSM, summarizing and critiquing this existing set of published literature, and discussing the implications for future research and practice.
METHODS: A comprehensive literature search of HIV and IPV among MSM and/or GBM resulted in the synthesis of 19 studies in the U.S.. Articles were considered for full review if they met with previously established inclusion criteria. The final set of literature was analyzed for general content and for matters related to research design and methodology.
RESULTS: Overall, rates of MSM-specific IPV ranged from 12% to 56%. Findings indicated that partner abuse is associated with risky sexual behavior, thereby placing MSM and GBM at greater risk for HIV. Also, prevalence of various forms of IPV among HIV positive persons was revealed. Age, race, and childhood abuse were identified as correlates in the intersection of these two epidemics. In addition, several studies also noted the co-occurrence of substance abuse, partner violence, and HIV as a trend among MSM.
CONCLUSION: Several recommendations are made to strengthen the newly emerging arena of HIV and IPV syndemic research. Suggestions for policy and practice are also discussed in light of these dual epidemics found among MSM. Sound research design, measurement, and community-based participatory approaches are ultimately required for the development of MSM-specific interventions and prevention programs that tackle and stunt these mutually reinforcing epidemics.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:PITT/oai:PITTETD:etd-07312008-112241 |
| Date | 28 September 2008 |
| Creators | Ramachandran, Shruti |
| Contributors | Dr. Jessica G. Burke, Dr. Anthony J. Silvestre, Dr. Martha Ann Terry |
| Publisher | University of Pittsburgh |
| Source Sets | University of Pittsburgh |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | text |
| Format | application/pdf |
| Source | http://etd.library.pitt.edu/ETD/available/etd-07312008-112241/ |
| Rights | unrestricted, I hereby certify that, if appropriate, I have obtained and attached hereto a written permission statement from the owner(s) of each third party copyrighted matter to be included in my thesis, dissertation, or project report, allowing distribution as specified below. I certify that the version I submitted is the same as that approved by my advisory committee. I hereby grant to University of Pittsburgh or its agents the non-exclusive license to archive and make accessible, under the conditions specified below, my thesis, dissertation, or project report in whole or in part in all forms of media, now or hereafter known. I retain all other ownership rights to the copyright of the thesis, dissertation or project report. I also retain the right to use in future works (such as articles or books) all or part of this thesis, dissertation, or project report. |
Page generated in 0.0166 seconds