Reluctance to do blood testing limits HIV diagnosis and appropriate health care of sub-Saharan African migrants living in Spain.
This study investigates the reasons why sub-Saharan African migrants (SSAM) living in Spain may be unwilling to have their blood tested. A qualitative study was developed for 3 years (2006-2009) with the participation of 1338 SSAM. Cultural differences along with lack of information about Spanish health care system and health-related rights produced a feeling of mistrust towards medical staff. Reluctance to do blood testing may prevent SSAM from having a prompt HIV diagnosis and an appropriate health care. Linguistically and culturally adapted information is essential to overcome these barriers and achieve an equal access to health care services and HIV testing.
Tropical Medicine and Clinical Parasitology Unit, Infectious Diseases Department, Ramón y Cajal Hospital, Madrid, Spain. saludinmigracion@gmail.com
Bárbara
B
Navaza
Anne
A
Guionnet
Miriam
M
Navarro
Laura
L
Estévez
José Antonio
JA
Pérez-Molina
Rogelio
R
López-Vélez
D000328:Adult; D017954:Africa South of the Sahara / Q000208:ethnology; D044383:Black People / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D018864:Cultural Diversity; D003695:Delivery of Health Care; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000208:ethnology / Q000523:psychology*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006403:Hematologic Tests; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000523:psychology; D036301:Qualitative Research; D013030:Spain; D014171:Transients and Migrants / Q000523:psychology*; D055815:Young Adult