Treatment issues for HIV+ Africans in London

Black Africans are the second largest group of HIV/AIDS service users in London, UK. They are distinguished from other patient groups by their delay in access to services and appear to have a lower uptake of antiretroviral therapies. This study explores the treatment issues concerning black Africans which may affect their uptake of therapies. Issues raised included questions about if and when to start treatment, fears of side-effects both short and long term, awareness of the current uncertainties surrounding combination therapies and concerns about how to achieve compliance. The social circumstances of HIV positive black Africans living in London together with differences in cultural beliefs and experience of health care in the UK give rise to particular treatment concerns. These concerns include the fear of being experimented upon, lack of confidence in drugs tested only on Caucasians, distrust of the medical profession and fears of discrimination. Efforts to encourage the uptake of antiretroviral therapies by black Africans in Britain must take into account the particular experiences, fears and concerns of this patient group.