Positive Influences and Challenges for the Deaf Community Navigating Access to HIV Information, Testing, and Treatment in Kampala, Uganda: A Qualitative Study

Authors

Italia V. Rolle, Division of Global HIV & Tuberculosis, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 Corporate Boulevard, MS E-30, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA. itr2@cdc.gov.
Amanda Moyer, Internal Medicine Residency Program, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA.
Moses Ogwal, School of Public Health, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.
Naeemah Logan, Division of Global HIV & Tuberculosis, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 Corporate Boulevard, MS E-30, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA.
Jonela Rogers, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.
Enos Sande, Division of Global HIV & Tuberculosis, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Kampala, Uganda.
Ronald Kibalama, School of Public Health, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.
George Aluzimbi, Division of Global HIV & Tuberculosis, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Kampala, Uganda.
Justine Nyende, School of Public Health, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.
Patrick Awoii, School of Public Health, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.
Dorcus Julliet, School of Public Health, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.
David Serwada, School of Public Health, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.
Wolfgang Hladik, Division of Global HIV & Tuberculosis, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 Corporate Boulevard, MS E-30, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA.

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

4-1-2022

Journal

AIDS and behavior

Volume

26

Issue

4

DOI

10.1007/s10461-021-03477-5

Keywords

Deaf; Disability; HIV; Stigma; Uganda

Abstract

Although sub-Saharan Africa has the highest HIV burden globally, few studies have investigated disabilities and HIV in this region. We conducted a secondary analysis of text data from in-depth interviews (2014-2015) to describe HIV perceptions among a subsample of 73 deaf individuals participating in the Crane survey, Kampala, Uganda. Being deaf was defined as being profoundly or functionally deaf, having deafness onset 5 + years ago, and preferring sign language to communicate. Among participants ever tested for HIV (47%), most (88%) had a negative test. Thematic analysis revealed overcoming challenges/barriers followed by socioeconomic status, support systems, HIV, stigma, abuse, and health conditions as major themes. An unanticipated finding was the role of sex work to support basic living needs. The data showed related themes among participants, suggesting a complex context in which deaf participants experience HIV prevention and treatment. It is important to tailor HIV interventions for deaf and disabled persons.

APA Citation

Rolle, Italia V.; Moyer, Amanda; Ogwal, Moses; Logan, Naeemah; Rogers, Jonela; Sande, Enos; Kibalama, Ronald; Aluzimbi, George; Nyende, Justine; Awoii, Patrick; Julliet, Dorcus; Serwada, David; and Hladik, Wolfgang, "Positive Influences and Challenges for the Deaf Community Navigating Access to HIV Information, Testing, and Treatment in Kampala, Uganda: A Qualitative Study" (2022). GW Authored Works. Paper 835.
https://hsrc.himmelfarb.gwu.edu/gwhpubs/835

Department

School of Medicine and Health Sciences Resident Works