Student Tulane University Montgomery, Alabama, United States
Learning Objectives:
At the end of this session, participants will be able to:
Describe the fundamental role of social support and the effects shaping alcohol mis(use)
Identify underlying causes that lead to inequities of sexual and gender minorities in east Africa.
Illustrate factors associated with alcohol consumption
Brief Abstract Summary: Discovering the pervasive stigma in east Africa (Specifically Kenya and Rwanda) against Sexual and Gender Minorities is essential. More specifically, negative attitudes and discrimination against sexual and gender minorities places them in vulnerable situations, which have implications on their physical and mental health outcomes, as shown the minority stress theory. As a potential way to cope with the stressors that sexual and gender minorities face, alcohol consumption have been identified as a coping tool. However, as literature has shown, social support plays an important role in shaping alcohol consumption against sexual and gender minorities. More specifically, individuals with more social support, have been shown to utilize lesser amounts of alcohol use. To that point, this project explores the role of social support and alcohol consumption among sexual and gender minorities in Rwanda and Kenya.
Detailed abstract description: Those in attendance will learn about about some of the underlying causes of health inequities pertaining to sexual and gender minorities. More specifically, analyzing different levels of the socio-ecological model, attendees will be exposed to mitigating ways to address behavioral issues surrounding sexual and gender minorities, while having the option to actively engage in instructive dialogue on future steps and implications as well. From research findings and on an the interpersonal level of the socio-ecological model, insightful information on "stress buffering" and social support will be discussed. Ultimately, those in attendance will have the opportunity to learn about the concerning issues affecting sexual and gender minorities in sub-Saharan Africa.
