Lift Every Voice: Informal And Formal Social Support Experiences Among African-American Gay Men 50 Years And Older Living With Hiv/Aids
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Date
2014
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Department
Social Work
Program
Doctor of Philosophy
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This item is made available by Morgan State University for personal, educational, and research purposes in accordance with Title 17 of the U.S. Copyright Law. Other uses may require permission from the copyright owner.
Abstract
The purpose and goal of this qualitative hermeneutic phenomenology study was to explore and understand the informal and formal social support experiences among African-American gay men that are 50 and over living with HIV/AIDS. The data collection process included the in-depth interviews of 12 participants. The findings of this study included six themes: 1) HIV Diagnosis Challenges/Coping Abilities 2) Formal Support Resource Availability 3) Perceived Informal and Formal HIV-related stigma 5) Ageism Bias 6) HIV Medication Adherence Challenges. From a macro implications perspective, social workers, policy advocates/legislators, LGBT advocates, and medical service providers must consider ways to reduce HIV-related stigma and ageism for this vulnerable population through the facilitation of interdisciplinary teams. Interdisciplinary teams can help build an inclusive systematic environment for older African-American gay men and all LGBT populations living with HIV/AIDS.