Running an Effective Psycho-Social Support Programme for HIV Positive MSM in Malaysia
- Author:
Kevin Baker
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
psycho-social;
programme;
HIV positive;
Malaysia;
MSM
- From:Malaysian Journal of Public Health Medicine
2012;12(Supplement 1):22-22
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
The reality is positive MSM in Malaysia often suffer double discrimination due to their sexuality and status. In a focus group PT Foundation ran in 2009 clients described various forms of stigma and discrimination they suffered, ranging from work place discrimination on disclosure of their status to family exclusion. Often a support programme is the only place where MSM can come together and discuss their status and the issues it presents in their lives. With this is mind PT Foundation set-up MSM Poz to cater to these very specific needs of positive MSM. The programme has 3 full time staff who runs a monthly support group attended by 20-30 positive MSM each month.
The support group is a safe space moderated by trained facilitators which allows the participants to access information on treatment, general health and wellbeing including sessions provided by trained counsellors, doctors and psychiatrists. Outreach services are provided by staff at the 3 main HIV primary care facilities in Kuala Lumpur providing much needed support for newly diagnosed cases as well as newly medicated and long term PLHIV. Online counselling is offered by a closed Facebook group moderated by trained facilitators and face to face counselling is offered by staff daily in the office in Kuala Lumpur. Well-being programmes such as yoga, nutrition and sexual health screening referrals are also offered. Findings of the annual analysis done on the programme showed that overall feedback from respondents was very positive with 85% of clients saying they felt happier since attending the programme. 64% said they felt their health had improved, with 47% saying they adhere to their medicine more and 63% had increased CD4 counts.
Education levels had also significantly increased with 85% saying they know more about their HIV. Peer support was also shown to be a significant success factor with 79% of respondents saying they had made friends in the group who could support them. Overall feedback from respondents was very positive with 85% of clients saying they felt happier since attending the sessions. 64% said they felt their health had improved, with 47% saying they adhere to their medicine more and 63% had increased CD4 counts. HIV education levels had also significantly increased with 85% saying they know more about their HIV. Peer support was also shown to be a significant success factor with 79% of respondents saying they had made friends in the group who could support them.
