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An article published in the journal AIDS Care has, for the first time, reviewed research on HIV stigma between gay men and within gay communities. HIV stigma within gay communities is expressed through socialexclusion, ageism, rejection, violence, and discrimination based onphysical appearance. There are serious consequences associated withHIV stigma, including higher rates of depression , feelings of isolation and high-risk behaviour. "We know that gay men with HIV are at greater risk of mental health problems. HIV stigma exacerbates these issues and can have seriousconsequences for general and mental health. Not much attention hasbeen given to HIV stigma between gay men, and increased efforts tocombat HIV stigma, in all its forms, are needed," says Dr MichaelBrady, co-author, consultant in sexual health and HIV at King'sCollege Hospital, London, UK, and a member of the Men2MenCollective. "Stigma and segregation have very negative impacts on the efficacyof sexual health programmes and onward HIV transmission," saysPeter J. Smit, lead author, a member of Men2Men Collective and probono human rights advocate and journalist at the Dutch HIVAssociation. "HIV stigma should have decreased with theintroduction of effective therapies. However, our review has foundstigmatising and discriminatory views continue to be held, amonggay men themselves, and their effects are detrimental to thequality of life and emotional well-being of HIV-positive gay men." While previous studies have looked at HIV stigma anddiscrimination, this is the first to review the effects of HIVstigma within gay communities across Europe, North America andAustralasia, and understand its wide-ranging causes andconsequences. "We hope that this work will provide new ways to helpsupport gay men with HIV and reduce the impact of stigma," says DrBrady. Stigma survey To coincide with the online publication of the literature review onstigma within gay communities, Men2Men Collective is launching asurvey to find out more about how gay men view HIV and how theirbeliefs affect personal decisions. Aimed at gay men and men who have sex with men, the survey asks forviews on HIV, relationships, sex and the role of the gay communityand is available in English, French, German, Spanish, Dutch, andPortuguese. The results will be reported in 2012. Additional References Citations. The e-commerce company in China offers quality products such as Hydraulic Pile Breaker Manufacturer , Mud Pump, and more. For more , please visit core drilling today!
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