Manifestations and Lived Experiences of Structural Racism for Racial and Ethnic Minority Communities Affected by HIV Across the United States

Bibliographic Data

ID19578115
AuthorsBetelhem A Muno (0009-0008-9810-0224, University of Alabama at Birmingham, corresponding author), Mariam Haris (Washington Center), Amra Zegeye (Independent Sector), Rahel Behailu (University of Washington Medical Center), Shukri A Hassan (0000-0001-6732-9263, Columbia University), Jessica Y Islam (0000-0002-3690-3848, University of South Florida), Martez D Smith (Ball (United States)), Bridgette Picou (Wells College), Chioma Nnaji (0000-0001-8512-7913, AIDS United), Jennifer Barnes-Balenciaga (Ball (United States)), Marissa Miller, Marissa A Miller (0000-0003-2432-7027, Indiana Department of Natural Resources), Steve Sawyer (0000-0001-5277-5148, People of Color Against AIDS Network), Steven Sawyer (POCAAN, Seattle, Washington, USA), Dana McCullough (Institute for Student Achievement), Luis Mares (Latino Commission on AIDS), Ulysses Burley (Amec Foster Wheeler (United States)), Phyllis Bijole (Institute for Student Achievement), Ian L Haddock (Anyang Normal University), Bill Hall (Seattle Indian Health Board), Mitchell Warren (0000-0003-3626-7156, AVAC, New York, New York, USA), Dustin T Duncan (0000-0001-8586-8711, Columbia University), Stephaun Elite Wallace-Marc Jacobs, Samantha Jacobs (Fred Hutch Cancer Center), Marlene Camacho‐Rivera (0000-0003-2343-2941, SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University), Jessica Jaiswal (0000-0002-4880-0205, University of Alabama at Birmingham, corresponding author), Rena C Patel (0000-0001-9893-5856, University of Alabama at Birmingham, corresponding author)
Year2025
Volume9
Issue1
Pages474-490
Publication date2025-04-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueHealth Equity (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2473-1242 • E-ISSN: 2473-1242
PublisherSAGE Publications (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1177/24731242251375878
PMID41777872
OpenAlexW4414151225
LanguageEN
Citations received1
References cited43

Objective: To elucidate some of the manifestations of structural racism as a root cause of racialized inequities in HIV in the context of COVID-19, centered through the lens of community members with lived experiences. Methods: We partnered with eight community-based organizations to conduct focus group discussions structured around COVID-19 and HIV-related experiences. We utilized inductive coding and thematic analysis. Results: We conducted 10 focus group discussions (98 participants) across the United States between February and May 2023; 65% were ages 18-39, over 90% identified as Black, 39% were female, and 66% were cisgender. First, participants emphasized that structural racism intersects with other systems of oppression. Second, three main themes emerged as manifestations of structural racism: (1) lack of representation in state and federal decision-making levels, (2) differential access to resources, and (3) intergenerational mistrust and trauma. Conclusion: The intersecting impact of the HIV epidemic and COVID-19 pandemic underscores the pervasive effects of structural racism that manifests in the United States. Health Equity Implications: More than ever, researchers must champion the experiences and needs of racial and ethnic minority communities to affect structural change

Champion · Ethnic group · Lived experience · Psychometrics of racism · Racism · HIV/AIDS Research and Interventions · Migration, Health and Trauma · Racial and Ethnic Identity Research