Engaging black sub-Saharan African communities and their gatekeepers in HIV prevention programs: challenges and strategies from England

Nyashanu, M ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9231-0393 and Serrant, L, 2016. Engaging black sub-Saharan African communities and their gatekeepers in HIV prevention programs: challenges and strategies from England. Family Medicine and Community Health, 4 (4), pp. 22-29. ISSN 2305-6983

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Abstract

Objective:
HIV infection is a sensitive issue in black communities [Serrant-Green L. Black Caribbean men, sexual health decisions and silences. Doctoral thesis. Nottingham School of Nursing, University of Nottingham; 2004]. Statistics show black sub-Saharan African (BSSA) communities disproportionately constitute two-thirds of people with HIV [Heath Protection Agency. Health protection report: latest infection reports-GOV.UK; 2013]. African communities constitute 30% of people accessing HIV treatment in the United Kingdom yet represent less than 1% of the population [Health Protection Agency. HIV in the United Kingdom: 2012 report; 2012], [Department of Health. DVD about FGM. 2012. Available from fgm@dh.gsi.gov.uk.]. This article explores the sociocultural challenges in engaging BSSA communities in HIV prevention programs in England and possible strategies to improve their involvement.
Methods:
Twelve focus group discussions and 24 semistructured interviews were conducted in a 2-year period with participants from the BSSA communities and sexual health services in the West Midlands, England. The research was supported by the Ubuntu scheme, a sexual health initiative working with African communities in Birmingham, England.
Results:
Ineffective engagement with African communities can hinder the effectiveness of HIV prevention programs. Skills and strategies sensitive to BSSA culture are important for successful implementation of prevention programs. HIV prevention programs face challenges including stigma, denial, and marginalized views within BSSA communities.
Conclusion:
Networking, coordination, and cultural sensitivity training for health professionals are key strategies for engaging BSSA communities in HIV prevention programs.

Item Type:	Journal article
Publication Title:	Family Medicine and Community Health
Creators:	Nyashanu, M. and Serrant, L.
Publisher:	Family Medicine and Community Health
Date:	1 December 2016
Volume:	4
Number:	4
ISSN:	2305-6983
Identifiers:	Number Type 10.15212/FMCH.2016.0130 DOI
Divisions:	Schools > School of Social Sciences
Record created by:	Linda Sullivan
Date Added:	04 Jan 2018 11:05
Last Modified:	04 Jan 2018 11:05
URI:	https://irep.ntu.ac.uk/id/eprint/32278

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