Buddhist Understanding and Reduction of Myanmar Experiences of HIV Stigma and Exclusion

University of California, Los Angeles19 enrolled

Overview

This project aims to explore a multi-leveled conceptualization of the effects of HIV stigma on HIV care engagement in Myanmar by conducting a mixed-method study.

This project is to explore how Myanmar People Living With HIV (PLWH) experience and manage HIV stigma as inspired by Buddhist teaching, and to adapt an evidence-based stigma-reduction intervention to tailor treatment for the unique needs of Myanmar People Living With HIV. A stigma-reduction intervention will be adopted to the needs of Myanmar People Living With HIV with six focus groups.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

Purpose

SUPPORTIVE_CARE

Masking

NONE

Enrollment

Conditions

Hiv Stigma, Social Mindfulness

Interventions

Stigma reductionBEHAVIORAL

The intervention is modularized to have eight weekly sessions of 2-hour group discussions, led by a trained facilitator. The facilitator applies the principle of CBT and provides psychoeducation to promote the awareness and understanding of HIV stigma as well as training to help participants acquire alternative coping skills, such as relaxation techniques.

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 18 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: 1. HIV-Positive 2. Care by Myanmar Positive Group/CMRU 3. Living in Myanmar/Thailand 4. can stay in the period of intervention Exclusion Criteria: 1. Not HIV 2. Living outside of Myanmar/Thailand 3. Not care by MPG/CMRU 4. Cannot stay for the study period

Locations (2)

Myanmar Positive Group

Yangon, Myanmar, Burma

Chiangmai Rajabhat University

Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai, Thailand

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Change in Stigma Score From Baseline to End of Intervention in Protocol Group

Perceived Stigma Scale (PSS). Each item is measured using a 4-point Likert scale and the scale contains four factors: personalized stigma (18 items, subscore total 18-72), disclosure concerns (12 items, subscore total 12-48), negative self-image (9 items, subscore total 9-36), and concern with public attitudes about people with HIV (12 items, subscore total 12-48). Each factor is scored separately, with total score is computed by summing all 40 items, with a minimum total PSS score of 40 and a maximum possible score of 160. Raw PSS scores were transformed into Stigma scores 1-4. Higher scores reflect higher levels of perceived stigma.

Time frame: Baseline and 8 weeks

Secondary Outcomes

Change in QOL Score From Baseline to End of Intervention in the Protocol Group

Cognitive and Affective Mindfulness Scale-Revised (CAMS-R) is a 12-item questionnaire that was used as a proxy measure of QOL in the study. Total maximum score of CAMS-R is 48 and minimum score is 12. Raw CAMS-R scores were transformed into QOL scores 0-3. Higher scores reflect better QOL.

Time frame: Baseline and 8 weeks

Data from ClinicalTrials.gov

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