0000000000012774
AUTHOR
Inés Arístegui
Cultural Competences of International Students: Its Role on Successful Sociocultural and Psychological Adaptation
This chapter addresses the study of cultural competences involved in the successful adaptation of a particular group of migrants: international students. Cultural competences are skills that people display when facing cultural diversity and have been found to predict job performance and academic achievement of those who have to interact in different contexts other than their own. This chapter aims to respond three questions that students consider when studying abroad: ‘What should I do to have a successful life?’, ‘How prepared are members of the host culture to receive me?’, and, ‘Who are the most successful international students?’ The first segment introduces the role of acculturative st…
Resources to cope with stigma related to HIV status, gender identity, and sexual orientation in gay men and transgender women
The stigma related to HIV status, gender identity, and sexual orientation has negative implications for the quality of life of individuals. A qualitative study was conducted to explore the resources that these stigmatized groups recognize as tools to cope with stigma and maintain their psychological well-being. Four focus groups were conducted with gay men and transgender women divided by HIV status. A thematic analysis revealed that individual, interpersonal, and institutional resources are commonly recognized as coping resources. This article discusses the importance of enhancing self-acceptance, social support, and a legal framework that legitimizes these groups as right holders.
Social Suffering and an Approach to Professionals’ Burnout
Individual and social problems require the assistance of professionals who are accustomed to work with “suffering” on daily basis. Psychologists, physicians, and social workers step into this role helping alleviate the suffering and improve the quality of life of their patients and clients. But, inevitably, they experience suffering as they address others’ problems. Their own well-being and quality of life may be reduced by their work in helping. We interviewed Argentinean professionals about their experience of patient, personal, and suffering conditions in order to determine the level of transference and turn to the practice of Yoga as a possible physical and psychological approach to med…
Crecimiento postraumático en hombres gays con VIH en Buenos Aires, Argentina
Este estudio cualitativo tuvo como objetivo explorar los significados atribuidos al virus de inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH) y la experiencia de cambios positivos posteriores al diagnóstico (crecimiento postraumático) en hombres gays de Buenos Aires, Argentina. Se efectuaron catorce entrevistas individuales en profundidad. Se implementó un análisis temático asignando códigos a fragmentos de transcripciones y organizándolos en temas. La edad media de los participantes fue de 41.29 (D.E.=11.97) y una media de 8.42 (D.E.=7.08) años desde el diagnóstico, tres de los cuales lo habían recibido en el último año. La mayoría informó cambios positivos que atribuyeron al diagnóstico de VIH, los que se …
Ethics and the treatment as prevention strategy among transgender women living with HIV in Argentina
While numerous ethical concerns have been voiced regarding HIV service scale-up strategies targeting key populations, few studies have examined these from the perspective of affected groups. This study therefore sought to understand transgender women's experiences and perspectives of targeted HIV services scale-up in the context of Argentina's Treatment as Prevention strategy. In 2016, 25 purposively selected transgender women living with HIV were interviewed by a peer research associate. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using participatory coding techniques. Findings suggest that procedures around informed consent, including the provision of full informatio…
Acceptability of dual HIV/syphilis rapid test in community- and home-based testing strategy among transgender women in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Background: Little is known of acceptability and feasibility of dual HIV and syphilis rapid tests in community- and home-based provider-initiated strategies among transgender women (TGW), in Latin America. Objectives were (1) to assess the acceptability of this strategy and, (2) to determine the percentage of positive results of HIV and syphilis, analyze the correlates of HIV or syphilis positive results, and measure the rates of effective referral and treatment completion among TGW. Methods: A multidisciplinary team tested 89 TGW in Buenos Aires. An acceptability survey was administered after the HIV/syphilis Duo test was used. All confirmed cases were referred for treatment initiation. R…
Home-based HIV testing: Using different strategies among transgender women in Argentina.
Background In Argentina, HIV prevalence among transgender women (TGW) has been reported at 34%. The stigma is one of the most important factors limiting their access to healthcare services. The aims of this study were to compare different HIV testing methodologies, to determine the factors associated with HIV diagnosis and to determine the feasibility of a home-based HIV testing service for TGW. Methods A multidisciplinary team performed home-based HIV testing interventions in four cities of Argentina. Participants self-identified as TGW, older than 14 years and with a negative or unknown HIV status. Blood samples were screened by two rapid tests (RT), one based on antibodies (Determine™ HI…
Prevalence and Correlates of Lifetime Suicide Attempts Among Transgender Persons in Argentina.
This study examined the lifetime prevalence and correlates of attempted suicide among transgender persons in Argentina. Data were derived from a nation-wide, cross-sectional survey conducted in 2013. We assessed individual, social, and structural correlates of reporting a history of attempting suicide using logistic regression. Among 482 participants, the median age was 30, 91% identified as transwomen, and 32% resided in the Buenos Aires metropolitan area. A lifetime suicide attempt was reported by 159 (33%), among whom the median age at first attempt was 17. In a multivariate model, internalized stigma was positively associated with a history of suicidal behavior, while participants with …
Correlates of depressive symptoms in transgender women initiating HIV treatment in Argentina
Transgender women (TGW) experience high prevalence of depression worldwide.This study analyzed the prevalence and correlates of depressive symptoms among 61 HIV + TGW (age: M = 29.87 years, SD = 6....
Impact of the Gender Identity Law in Argentinean transgender women
Background: In May 2012, collective efforts led to the enactment of a Gender Identity Law in Argentina. This is a particularly progressive law, based on human rights principles, as it is the first ...
Do Transgender People Respond According to Their Biological Sex or Their Gender Identity When Confronted With Romantic Rivals?
This study examined the hypothesis that gender identity and biological sex represent independent modules and that transgender individuals respond to romantic rivals in line with their gender identity and not with their biological sex. Additionally, associations of jealousy with intrasexual competitiveness (ISC) and social comparison orientation (SCO) were explored. A total of 134 male-to-female and 94 female-to-male transgender individuals from Greater Buenos Aires, Argentina, responded to a questionnaire. In line with the predictions, female-to-male transgender individuals experienced more jealousy than male-to-female transgender individuals in response to a physically dominant rival, whe…
Mate preferences in Argentinean transgender people
Transgender people provide a unique opportunity to examine the effect of biological sex versus gender identity on mating preferences. This study aimed at identifying the mate characteristics that are most and least valued by transgender people and at examining to what extent their biological sex or their gender identity determined their mate preferences. A convenience sample of 134 male‐to‐female (MTF) and 94 female‐to‐male (FTM) individuals from Argentina rated Buss's list of 18 mate attributes. Compared to FTM, MTF individuals placed significantly more emphasis on attractiveness and socioeconomic status, whereas FTM, more than MTF individuals, valued partners with a dependable character. …
Reduction of Gender Identity Stigma and Improvements in Mental Health Among Transgender Women Initiating HIV Treatment in a Trans-Sensitive Clinic in Argentina
Purpose: Stigma toward transgender women (TGW) increases psychosocial vulnerability, leading to poor mental health and affecting access and retention in HIV care. Trans-sensitive health care (TSHC) has the potential to mitigate this adverse impact. This study aimed to describe baseline characteristics in gender identity stigma (GIS), mental health, and substance use among TGW living with HIV initiating antiretroviral treatment and to analyze changes after 6 months in HIV care in a TSHC clinic in Argentina. Methods: Sixty-one TGW living with HIV responded to the following questionnaires at baseline and after 6 months in TSHC: sociodemographic, experiences of GIS (in health care, police, etc.…