title: Picuriste/injectionist use among Haitian immigrants in Miami-Dade County, Florida: implications for HIV-related theory.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We explore the risks reported to picuriste (injectionist) use in a non-probability sample of Haitian immigrant residents of Miami-Dade, Florida, using a mixed method approach. Picuristes typically have no formal medical training, and may use non-sterile needles.
  
  
  METHODS
  Face to face semi-structured interviews were conducted of picuristes (n = 10) and picuriste users (n = 25). We sought to corroborate the qualitative findings by fielding a survey based on the interviews in a community-based sample of 205 Haitian immigrants.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The findings from the interviews indicate picuriste injections do not adhere 100% to established standards for safe injections, and may pose health risks that are similar to those that exist for injection drug users. Yet, of the survey respondents (n = 205), 17.6% reported obtaining picuriste injections.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our findings shed light on a normally hidden cultural health behavior, enhancing our understanding of picuriste practice and use among Haitian immigrant residents of Miami-Dade County, Florida. We suggest that medical care must be delivered in a culturally competent, culturally sensitive manner, with open dialogue between physician and patient regarding health beliefs and practices.
authors.affiliation: School of Social Work, College of Behavioral and Community Services, University of South Florida, USA. Gjrahill@usf.edu
authors.forename: Guitele J
authors.initials: GJ
authors.lastname: Rahill
authors.forename: Alissa
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Mallow
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D054521:Cultural Competency; D054242:Emigrants and Immigrants; D005260:Female; D005431:Florida; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000635:transmission; D006205:Haiti / Q000208:ethnology; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D017053:Infection Control; D007267:Injections / Q000009:adverse effects; D008297:Male; D008519:Medicine, Traditional / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008875:Middle Aged; D012306:Risk; D012449:Safety