| Title | A qualitative analysis of multi-level barriers to HIV testing among women in Lebanon. |
| Publication Type | Journal Article |
| Year of Publication | 2017 |
| Authors | Clark, Kirsty A., Danya E. Keene, John E. Pachankis, Omar Fattal, Nesrine Rizk, and Kaveh Khoshnood |
| Journal | Culture, health & sexuality |
| Pagination | 1-15 |
| Date Published | 2017 Feb 13 |
| ISSN | 1464-5351 |
| Abstract | While the number of HIV cases in the Middle East and North Africa region is low compared to other regions, recent studies show that incidence is increasing especially among high-risk populations; in particular, little is known about women and HIV in the region. Through semi-structured interviews with sexual healthcare providers and staff at non-governmental organisations, we sought to understand barriers to HIV testing among women in Lebanon. Using snowball sampling, key informants were recruited from greater Beirut (12 physicians, 9 non-governmental organisation staff). Data were analysed using a grounded theory framework. Findings identified barriers to HIV testing among women at each level of an adapted social-ecological model (i.e. social-cultural barriers, policy barriers, interpersonal healthcare provider barriers and intrapersonal barriers). Primary findings include the culture of sex as taboo; lack of sexual health education among women; fear of disclosing HIV testing and diagnosis; financial barriers linked to stigmatising insurance policies; and provider attitudes towards women. Findings can be used to inform HIV-related sexual health interventions at multiple levels for women in Lebanon and the greater region. |
| DOI | 10.1080/13691058.2017.1282045 |
| Alternate Journal | Cult Health Sex |
