1. Sexual Health, HIV Care and Pre-exposure Prophylaxis in the African Immigrant Population: A Needs Assessment.
- Author
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Okoro, Olihe N. and Whitson, Shanasha O.
- Subjects
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HIV prevention , *BLACK people , *CULTURE , *FOCUS groups , *SEXUAL health , *IMMIGRANTS , *INTERVIEWING , *RESEARCH methodology , *PREVENTIVE medicine , *NEEDS assessment , *QUESTIONNAIRES , *STATISTICAL sampling , *SOCIAL stigma , *SOCIOECONOMIC factors , *CULTURAL competence , *HEALTH literacy , *ATTITUDES toward AIDS (Disease) - Abstract
The objective was to gain insight, from the perspective of healthcare professionals, non-medical service providers and community-based organizations working with a large majority of African immigrant patients or clients, regarding sexual health and the potential for the use of HIV PrEP in this priority population. Thirty key informants participated in a needs assessment. A questionnaire was used to obtain information through focus groups, structured interviews and by self-administration. There are cultural and linguistic barriers to engaging Africans in discussing sexual health issues. Key challenges to uptake of PrEP are multi-dimensional: socioeconomic [immigration status, housing]; cultural [talking about sex 'taboo', HIV related stigma, no concept of preventive care]; provider-related (cultural competency, inadequate PrEP education, language barrier); and individual (lack of awareness, perception of HIV risk). Meeting basic needs like housing, assuring access to care (including PrEP), community-based education, relevant training of providers, and tailored messaging are strongly recommended. Effectively addressing HIV incidence in the African-born immigrant population redonequires a multi-pronged approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2020
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