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Abstract
African and Caribbean communities in Canada and other developed countries are disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS. This qualitative study of African and Caribbean communities in Toronto sought to understand HIV-related stigma, discrimination, denial and fear, and the effects of multiple intersecting factors that influence responses to the disease, prevention practices and access to treatment and support services. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 30 HIV-positive men and women and focus groups were conducted with 74 men and women whose HIV status was negative or unknown. We identified a range of issues faced by African and Caribbean people that may increase the risk for HIV infection, create obstacles to testing and treatment and lead to isolation of HIV-positive people. Our findings suggest the need for greater sensitivity and knowledge on the part of healthcare providers; more culturally specific support services; community development; greater community awareness; and expanded efforts to tackle housing, poverty, racism and settlement issues.
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to thank those who participated in the study as well as those who helped to recruit participants for the study. We would also like to thank the Community Advisory Committee (Vuyiswa Keyi, Beatrice Nday wa Mbayo, Senait Teclom and Hiwot Teffera) for its helpful comments and assistance with recruitment of study participants and Dennis Haubrich for his assistance in developing the research protocol. This study was supported by a grant from the Ontario HIV Treatment Network. The HIV Social, Behavioural and Epidemiological Studies Unit and the African and Caribbean Council on HIV/AIDS in Ontario, both are funded in part by the AIDS Bureau, Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care.