Promoting Reductions in Intersectional StigMa (PRISM) - GHANA
HIV prevalence among men with have sex with men (MSM) in Ghana is at least eight times higher than that of the general population (2%). MSM in Ghana face high levels of stigma due to HIV status (actual or perceived), same-sex behavior, and gender non-conformity. These stigmas are documented barriers to HIV prevention and treatment. In our preliminary work in Ghana (N=137), one-third of MSM had never been tested for HIV. This study is a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability and estimate effect size of a multi-component, multi-level (organizational, interpersonal, and intrapersonal-level) intersectional stigma-reduction intervention to increase HIV testing frequency among MSM in Ghana where HIV, same-sex behavior and gender non-conformity are highly stigmatized. To date, stigma-reduction interventions in Ghana have focused on uni-level targets (e.g., health care facilities (HCFs)) and addressed one type of stigma (e.g., HIV), without engaging the intersectional character of the multiple stigmas that MSM encounter. Our specific aims are: to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a novel multi-component, multi-level intervention to address intersectional stigma. to estimate effect size of the intervention for scale up to a definitive efficacy trial. Our primary endpoint are: For MSM: HIV testing, intervention feasibility and acceptability For HCFs: intervention feasibility, acceptability and appropriateness Our secondary endpoints are: MSM: Intersectional stigma reduction HCF: Intersectional stigma reduction This study will combine three theory-based interventions that were previously implemented separately in Ghana for reducing stigma at HCF-level, increasing HIV testing at the peer group-level, and increasing peer social support at the individual-level. Convergence Framework will be used for combining interventions. The ADAPT-ITT framework guides our approach to enhancing the interventions' content on intersectional stigma. To achieve these aims a systematic adaptation that will be used to refine the individually developed HCF, peer- and individual-level interventions to produce a comprehensive multi-level intersectional stigma reduction intervention.
Start: October 2020