The East African HIV prevention model: Perspectives from HIV-positive male immigrants living in the USA

Jennifer Jo Connor,Beatrice “Bean” E Robinson,Sharon M Lund,Tom Bichanga,Amanda Ciesinski,Megan Finsaas,Albert Lee

doi:10.1080/2331205x.2016.1175402

Abstract

African-born immigrants have been identified as a high risk population for contracting HIV/AIDS. We used Community Identification processes to interview three types of respondents: 11 HIV-seropositive East African-born men; 11 professionals working with HIV-seropositive East African-born men; and 11 individuals interacting with HIV-seropositive East African-born men. Using grounded theory methodology, we developed the East African HIV Prevention Model which displays four components (demographic factors, stigma, disclosure, education) contributing to high risk behaviors and HIV testing. Our model suggests interventions for targeting community demographic factors, pervasive stigma leading to lack of disclosure, and education in the East African community.

Highlights

At the end of 2011, an estimated 34 million people were living with HIV/AIDS worldwide (UNAIDS, 2012)
Component 1: demographic factors Demographic factors discussed by respondents consisted of male gender, East African culture, and socio-economic status (SES)
Our East African HIV Conceptual Model was constructed through analysis of 33 interview transcripts of East African-born men diagnosed with HIV, interactor, and systems respondents

Summary

Introduction

At the end of 2011, an estimated 34 million people were living with HIV/AIDS worldwide (UNAIDS, 2012). While the rate of HIV infection among select African countries has begun to stabilize or ABOUT THE AUTHORS. This project was initially conceived by Sharon Lund and Bean Robinson, and Connor led the analysis. Lund has completed extensive public health work in East Africa related to HIV/AIDS prevention. Robinson’s research work has, in part, focused on HIV/AIDS prevention in the African-American community. All authors have been a part of the Somali Women’s Initiative Sexual Health Project – Robinson is the principal investigator, Connor is a co-investigator, Ciesinski and Finsaas are volunteers on the project, and Lund and Bichanga are advisory board members. We represent researchers, community workers, and public health professionals dedicated to prevention of HIV/AIDS in marginalized communities

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Conclusion