Introducing a new research study Intersectional Stigma, HIV, & ART (ISHA), led by Dr. Andrea Norcini Pala, with mentorship by SIG’s Director Dr. Nabila El-Bassel.
Black men who have sex with men have an alarmingly high risk of becoming infected by HIV, a one-in-two (50%) risk in fact. As SIG’s co-Director Dr. Elwin Wu shared in the linked article above, “These outcomes are exacerbated by lack of status in society, and the ever-present stigma, often leading to intimate partner violence and complicated by substance use. What other condition has a higher than 50% morbidity rate?”
Dr. Andrea Norcini Pala, a Postdoctoral Research Scientist at SIG, just launched a new study to address this stigma called Intersectional Stigma, HIV, & ART (ISHA). Dr. Norcini Pala echos Dr. Wu, saying, "Discrimination is one of the most powerful drivers of health disparities among this community, contributing to poorer HIV health outcomes as well as mental health symptoms, substance abuse, and even premature mortality."
Discrimination is one of the most powerful drivers of health disparities among this community, contributing to poorer HIV health outcomes as well as mental health symptoms, substance abuse, and even premature mortality.
This new research study focuses on Black men who have sex with men and live with HIV, addressing intersectional stigma and improving antiretroviral therapy adherence. In short, Dr. Norcini Pala says ISHA aims to "provide resources to cope with different types of discrimination based on race, sexual orientation, and HIV-status."
Through ISHA, Dr. Norcini Pala continues, "I seek to identify the needs and priorities of Black men who have sex with men living with HIV to design and test a technology-based behavioral intervention to promote resilience among these men who face multiple forms of discrimination."
Dr. Norcini Pala’s ISHA study will contribute to research consistent with SIG’s science-based and social justice mission to address emerging health and social issues affecting diverse populations domestically and globally and develop evidence-based interventions.
Further, interventions to address stigma among sexual minorities and adherence to ART has not been sufficiently addressed in the research, and ISHA will be advancing the science in this area.
Of the work, SIG Director and ISHA mentor Dr. Nabila El-Bassel says,
“We are delighted that Dr. Norcini Pala received this grant, which is consistent with SIG’s mission to work with vulnerable populations. His research will contribute to the field and the research we conduct at SIG."
We are delighted that Dr. Norcini Pala received this grant, which is consistent with SIG’s mission to work with vulnerable populations. His research will contribute to the field and the research we conduct at SIG.
Dr. Norcini Pala also shares a personal reason for engaging in this work:
"As a clinical psychologist and most importantly as an immigrant gay man, I am honored to have the opportunity to work with the BMSM community in NYC. It will be an invaluable life experience for me. I will have the privilege to explore how the lived, daily experiences of multiple forms of discrimination shape their lives and HIV treatment. I am fully committed to provide an evidence-based, effective, and sustainable intervention to address the consequences of the intersectional forms of discrimination to improve the well-being of the community.”
The ISHA study was funded by the National Institute of Mental Health.