Date of Conferral

4-7-2025

Date of Award

April 2025

Degree

Doctor of Public Health (DrPH)

School

Public Health

Advisor

Richard Jimenez

Abstract

Individuals who are positive for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and identify as MSM (men who have sex with men), a population disproportionately affected by this disease, face complex struggles due to interplay between multiple forms of stigma, disclosure, and HIV risk behaviors. This results in delayed testing, poor treatment adherence, and decreased engagement in care. Despite the growing body of research on HIV among MSM, very few studies have explored the complex ways in which multiple forms of stigma intersect and impact the lives of Seropositive MSM. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the perception and lived experiences of Seropositive MSM who face intersectional stigma regarding HIV-prevention and care in California. Ten men were recruited via convenience sampling using social media. Data were collected via audio recorded individual interviews. The social ecological model was used to help interpret and understand the findings. Thematic analysis using Ziersch’s 5-stage framework approach was applied to identify patterns and themes that emerge from the qualitative data collected. The study’s findings highlight the emotional toll of intersectional stigma and advocates for trauma-informed, culturally competent care to address psychological distress and reshape narratives around HIV and marginalized communities. Implications for positive social change include informing and supporting the development of targeted interventions for MSM individuals with HIV, while encouraging further research to inform healthcare, public health policy, and education.

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