Citation

Ferlatte O, Handlovsky I, Ridge D, Chanady T, Knight R, Oliffe JL. SSM Qual. Res. Health 2022; 2.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2022, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.ssmqr.2022.100112

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Gay men living with HIV (GMHIV) are at relatively high risk for suicide. To inform tailored suicide prevention interventions, we conducted a photovoice study with 22 GMHIV with a history of suicidality. Our study findings revealed three discrete but connected themes characterizing suicidality among GMHIV: first, HIV stigma featured prominently in participants' narratives who described accumulating experiences of prejudice that triggered their hopelessness. Second, many participants perceived their HIV as a personal failure and felt shamed and blamed, heightening men's suicidality. Third, to avoid disgrace, men withdrew from social interactions, resulting in isolation. However, the subsequent dearth of social interaction weighed heavily, as men admitted longing for social, sexual and romantic connections. All themes contributed in complex ways to participants' experiences of suicidality. The findings affirm the need for tailored suicide prevention efforts focused on promoting social connectedness and public health efforts to de-stigmatize HIV and mental illness. © 2022 The Authors

Language: en

Keywords

adult; human; social interaction; mental health; Suicide; suicide prevention; male; aged; MSM; public health; suicidal behavior; stigma; experience; hopelessness; major clinical study; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; confidentiality; HIV/AIDS; Article; bisexual male; prejudice; homosexual male; social connectedness; Gay and bisexual men; HIV stigma