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Sexual Health, HIV Care and Pre-exposure Prophylaxis in the African Immigrant Population: A Needs Assessment

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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.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pharmacy Practice and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, Duluth 232 Life Sciences, 1110 Kirby Drive, Duluth, MN, 55812-3003, USA

    Olihe N. Okoro

  2. Community Partnership, Collaborative 2.0, 2507 Bryant Avenue North, Minneapolis, MN, 55411, USA

    Shanasha O. Whitson

Authors
  1. Olihe N. Okoro
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  2. Shanasha O. Whitson
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Correspondence to Olihe N. Okoro or Shanasha O. Whitson.

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Okoro, O.N., Whitson, S.O. Sexual Health, HIV Care and Pre-exposure Prophylaxis in the African Immigrant Population: A Needs Assessment. J Immigrant Minority Health 22, 134–144 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10903-019-00873-x

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