The contribution of gender identity, neighborhood characteristics, contextual norms, and socio-political factors to the biopsychosocial health of non-heteronormative persons in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) is understudied. Using syndemic theory, we conducted two focus groups (FGs) of 16 non-heteronormative individuals in Haiti's urban Cité Soleil neighborhood. Eight individuals participated in each FG. ATLAS.ti facilitated thematic content analysis of transcripts.

Studies of sexual and gender minorities in Haiti and globally typically involve HIV research and programming with men who have sex with men. We conducted focus groups with individuals in Haiti’s Cité Soleil slum whose assigned gender at birth matched neither their gender identity nor contextual heteronormative constructions of gender roles, i.e. transwomen and transmen. The Yogyakarta Principles provided the study framework. Focus group participants offered emic perspectives on overall well-being, identities, biopsychosocial strengths and HIV-protective and risk factors.

Non-partner sexual violence (NPSV), an important risk factor for HIV, is of global public health significance and understudied. The 2010 earthquake interacted syndemically with structural factors to increase sexual violence and HIV risk for women in Cité Soleil, Haiti. We used an exploratory sequential qualitative design and Grounded Theory to investigate language/terminology for NPSV, victims and perpetrators, and health effects of NPSV on victims, in four focus groups: Health care providers (HCPs) (n=3; n=8), community advocates (n=8), and victims (n=8).

Women in resource-constrained, postdisaster, urban enclaves, such as Haiti’s Cité Soleil, are at risk for nonpartner sexual violence (NPSV) by multiple perpetrators, and subsequently, psychological trauma and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV/AIDS. These biopsychosocial risks suggest that NPSV victims may benefit from an adapted evidence-based intervention for sexually transmitted infection (EBI-STI) that includes a trauma component. Yet there is a dearth of knowledge on trauma symptoms experienced by victims in Haiti.

Culturally sound health research and culturally relevant interventions are foundational to health promotion and disease prevention around the globe, especially for vulnerable populations in low-and middle-income countries who bear a disproportionate burden of sociodemographic and structural adversities, including gender-based violence and nonpartner sexual violence. There is a limited amount of scientific knowledge regarding the promotion of health equity for Haitian populations and about the challenges of cross-cultural practice and research among them.

Background

Adolescent girls in low-resource settings account for over 7.3 million births annually (generally unplanned). Unplanned teen pregnancies are increasing in lowresource settings. As part of a funded Round 20 Grand Challenges Exploration project (Healthy Minds for Adolescent Mothers), we investigated unplanned teen pregnancies in Haiti’s Cité Soleil shantytown, teens’ biopsychosocial challenges, and desirable interventions.