Exploring HIV risks, testing and prevention among sub-Saharan African community members in Australia

Abstract

BackgroundSignificant health disparities persist regarding new and late Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) diagnoses among sub-Saharan African (SSA) communities in Australia. Personal/cultural beliefs and practices influence HIV (risk, prevention, testing) within Australia and during visits to home countries.MethodA community forum was conducted involving 23 male and female adult African community workers, members and leaders, and health workers; facilitated by cultural workers and an experienced clinician/researcher. The forum comprised small/large group discussions regarding HIV risk/prevention (responses transcribed verbatim; utilising thematic analysis).ResultsStigma, denial, social norms, tradition and culture permeated perceptions/beliefs regarding HIV testing, prevention and transmission among African Australians, particularly regarding return travel to home countries.ConclusionsInternational travel as a risk factor for HIV acquisition requires further examination, as does the role of the doctor in HIV testing and Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP). Further assessment of PrEP as an appropriate/feasible intervention is needed, with careful attention regarding negative community perceptions and potential impacts.

Why I Can’t, Won’t or Don’t Test for HIV: Insights from Australian Migrants Born in Sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia and Northeast Asia

“…There were also concerns expressed about the confidentiality of both having the test, and the sexual behaviour disclosed, and whether this would be communicated back to partners, community members or family via health services. Social and cultural taboos around sexual behaviour and discussion of sex further limited sexual health help-seeking [21,63,64]. Anticipated experiences of stereotyping from health service providers, such as concern that HIV was seen “ also limited uptake of health services and HIV testing for SSA participants.…”

“…targeted Caucasian Australians, and participants noted that they did not see their communities (both ethnicity and sexuality) reflected in the images used. Given the unique role of culture, gender and social influences on individual perception of risk, and additional concerns of discrimination and racism, there is a need for community-specific approaches that address these factors [12,64]. It is important to recognize the heterogeneity of migrant groups and as far as is practicable to segment migrant groups in order to identify and respond to their unique needs [68,69].…”

“…To date, there is little published research on interventions to increase HIV testing among migrants in high-income countries [13,60], and further research is needed to identify what works with different groups in various settings. Interventions should target risks for migrants associated with frequent travel back to countries of birth, promote safe sexual behaviour whilst travelling, and encourage testing on return [26,64].…”

Persian translation and assessing the validity and reliability of the Questionnaire of Health Seeking Behavior of women living with HIV

“…The concepts of health and disease relate to vital and cultural values. People from different cultures consider suffering as a threatening condition [4]. The social and cultural values train the individuals how to pay attention to one's health status, and how to evaluate one's health status, whether there are any threatening factors [4].…”

“…People from different cultures consider suffering as a threatening condition [4]. The social and cultural values train the individuals how to pay attention to one's health status, and how to evaluate one's health status, whether there are any threatening factors [4]. Searching and applying for health services may prove the responsibility and logical function of the sufferers.…”