Experiences of and responses to HIV among African and Caribbean communities in Toronto, Canada.
African and Caribbean communities in Canada and other developed countries are disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS. This qualitative study of African and Caribbean communities in Toronto sought to understand HIV-related stigma, discrimination, denial and fear, and the effects of multiple intersecting factors that influence responses to the disease, prevention practices and access to treatment and support services. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 30 HIV-positive men and women and focus groups were conducted with 74 men and women whose HIV status was negative or unknown. We identified a range of issues faced by African and Caribbean people that may increase the risk for HIV infection, create obstacles to testing and treatment and lead to isolation of HIV-positive people. Our findings suggest the need for greater sensitivity and knowledge on the part of healthcare providers; more culturally specific support services; community development; greater community awareness; and expanded efforts to tackle housing, poverty, racism and settlement issues.
Gardezi
F
F
HIV Social, Behavioural and Epidemiological Studies Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. fauzia.gardezi@utoronto.ca
Calzavara
L
L
Husbands
W
W
Tharao
W
W
Lawson
E
E
Myers
T
T
Pancham
A
A
George
C
C
Remis
R
R
Willms
D
D
McGee
F
F
Adebajo
S
S
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D044383:Black People / Q000208:ethnology / Q000523:psychology*; D002170:Canada / Q000453:epidemiology; D003431:Cross-Cultural Comparison; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style / Q000208:ethnology; D008297:Male; D020380:Needs Assessment; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D011287:Prejudice; D036301:Qualitative Research