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Harambee! 3.0: Addressing HIV-Stigma and Increasing HIV-Testing in Three African Immigrant Communities in King County
Summary
Community-based health fairs and stigma reduction workshops improved HIV testing access for African immigrants in King County. Addressing barriers like stigma and privacy concerns is key to increasing testing uptake.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Community Health
- Health Disparities
Background:
- African immigrant communities in King County, Washington, experience a disproportionately high rate of new Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) diagnoses.
- Barriers to HIV testing include limited access, stigma, and concerns regarding immigration status.
Purpose of the Study:
- To increase HIV testing accessibility and reduce HIV-related stigma among African immigrant communities.
- To achieve this through community-based health fairs and pilot implementation of a stigma reduction intervention.
Main Methods:
- Conducted four health fairs at faith-based organizations, offering free point-of-care HIV testing and other health screenings.
- Administered questionnaires on sociodemographics, HIV testing history, and stigma.
- Adapted and piloted Project FAITHH, a faith-based HIV stigma reduction intervention.
Main Results:
- 105 attendees at health fairs; 11 participants in the Project FAITHH workshop.
- 69% of participants underwent HIV testing.
- Key barriers identified: fear of results, privacy concerns, and HIV-related stigma.
Conclusions:
- Collaborative efforts between researchers, community, and faith-based organizations enhance HIV testing acceptability and access.
- Addressing perceived barriers is crucial for improving HIV testing uptake in African immigrant populations.
