Identifying practices and strategies to increase HIV testing among Haitian migrant communities

Abstract

Results • Rapid HIV testing had a significant role in decreasing the likelihood of Haitians not returning for their results due to stigma. It was also the preferred method of HIV testing for community level interventions due to its flexibility, mobility, and ease in carrying out. • Group level interventions (GLI) targeting demographic groups were effective in increasing HIV/ AIDS education, promoting behavior change, and decreasing stigma in Haitian migrant communities. Based on social cognitive learning theory, GLIs use curricula that are non-judgmental, culturally sensitive, and linguistically appropriate. • Community level interventions (CLI) in Haitian migrant communities engaged large audiences and increased HIV testing among populations who do not access conventional testing. CLIs included the use of mobile HIV testing vans, health conferences and fairs providing HIV testing, and outreach workers to conduct street outreach. • Key informants advocated partnerships with clinics, hospitals, churches, and the business community. Many interventions to increase HIV/AIDS education and testing were conducted with stakeholders due to their unique capacity to mobilize and influence Haitian migrant communities. • Collaborating with local Haitian media to design culturally competent public service announcements were seen as a valuable and cost-effective method to provide HIV/AIDS education, promote HIV testing, and recruit participants for GLIs and CLIs.