Increasing HIV testing among African immigrants in ireland: challenges and opportunities.
Publication/Presentation Date
2-1-2015
Abstract
In 2012, immigrants constitute 63% of new cases of heterosexually transmitted HIV among individuals born outside Ireland. Current strategies to encourage testing can be ineffective if immigrants perceive them as culturally insensitive. We obtained qualitative data to explore challenges to voluntary HIV-testing for immigrants in Ireland. Content analysis was undertaken to identify and describe pertinent themes. Widespread beliefs that HIV is primarily a disease of African immigrants were identified as challenges that constrain access to testing and care. The organization and location of testing services, attitude of health workers, and beliefs regarding mandatory HIV-testing for immigrants seeking access to welfare benefits were also identified. Immigrants in Ireland encounter a variety of structural, cultural and personal constraints to HIV testing. Opportunities exist in the Irish Health system to increase testing among immigrants through greater acknowledgement of cultural sensitivities of immigrant groups.
Volume
17
Issue
1
First Page
89
Last Page
95
ISSN
1557-1920
Published In/Presented At
Adedimeji, A. A., Asibon, A., O'Connor, G., Carson, R., Cowan, E., McKinley, P., Leider, J., Mallon, P., & Calderon, Y. (2015). Increasing HIV testing among African immigrants in ireland: challenges and opportunities. Journal of immigrant and minority health, 17(1), 89–95. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10903-014-9986-x
Disciplines
Business Administration, Management, and Operations | Health and Medical Administration | Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
PubMedID
24549490
Department(s)
Administration and Leadership
Document Type
Article