Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Services Uptake among Lesbians, Gay and Bisexual Youths in Nairobi City County, Kenya
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Date
2024-11
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Kenyatta University
Abstract
The Kenyan constitution assures every Kenyan the highest attainable quality of health, without discrimination on any basis including the sexual orientation. Studies have shown a high HIV prevalence among non-heterosexuals. This study assessed the general uptake of HIV and AIDS care among the Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual (LGB) identifying youths in Nairobi County. Studies have been conducted among the key populations particularly the MSM whereas this study focused on sexual orientation aspect particularly among the LGB community. This research sought to unpack the depth in which socio-cultural, religious, systemic, personal attitudes and perceptions base contribute to the uptake of HIV and AIDS care and interventions to be scaled up. To achieve its objectives, the study employed a analytical cross-sectional design, involving qualitative and quantitative methods of collecting data. A pretest was conducted to enhance validity and reliability of the tool and final study sample size of n=84 was recruited. Respondents were then sampled through snowballing sampling technique and beefed up using a virtual snowball sampling to reach the population. Purposive sampling was applied to determine the qualitative aspect and reached 5 key informants for interviews. The study employed self-administered questionnaires. Analytical statistical analysis was utilized using Stata15.0 and cross tabulation and spearman’s rank correlation was used to compare outcome of different variables whereas qualitative analysis supplemented the results and discussion of presented data. The uptake of HIV and AIDS services was found to be 86% among the Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual youths in Nairobi. Majority identified as Gay (43%) and 15% were non-Kenyans/asylum seekers. The majority of these youths’ access HIV prevention and care services from government/public health facilities followed closely by NGO led facilities. Personal attitude and perception base play a significant role in utilization; despite majority having known their status and having adequate information about transmission, 57% engaged in risky activities such as sexual activities with more than one partner. 87% of the respondents experienced injustices at home and while accessing HIV and AIDS services. This included stigmatization, violence, isolation, discrimination which affected mentally, socially, and emotionally. A majority (98%) attributed the experiences to their sexual orientation. A significant proportion of the respondents demonstrated that culture, family, and religious support influenced their uptake of HIV and AIDS services. The study recommends that health care facilities should be improved and inclusive as 71% stated that the facilities are not friendly. The health care providers should be adequately trained to provide comprehensive, non-judgmental services and policies evaluated to provide non-discriminatory services to eliminate stigmatization of the population. The results of this study intend to inform programming of HIV and AIDS for this subset of Key Population and bridge the information gap.
Description
A Research Thesis Submitted for the Degree of Master of Public Health (Monitoring and Evaluation) in the School of Health Sciences of Kenyatta University, November, 2024
Supervisors:
1.Alloys Orago
2.Judy Mugo