Dataset Information

Harambee!: A pilot mixed methods study of integrated residential HIV testing among African-born individuals in the Seattle area.

ABSTRACT:

Background

African-born individuals in the U.S. are disproportionately affected by HIV yet have low HIV testing rates. We conducted a mixed methods study to assess the uptake and feasibility of a novel strategy for integrating HIV testing into residential health fairs among African-born individuals in Seattle, WA.

Methods

From April to May 2018, we held six health fairs at three apartment complexes with high numbers of African-born residents. Fairs included free point-of-care screening for glucose, cholesterol, body mass index, blood pressure, and HIV, as well as social services and health education. The health fairs were hosted in apartment complex common areas with HIV testing conducted in private rooms. Health fair participants completed a series of questionnaires to evaluate demographics, access to health services, and HIV testing history. We conducted 18 key informant interviews (KIIs) with health fair participants and community leaders to identify barriers to HIV testing among African-born individuals.

Results

Of the 111 adults who accessed at least one service at a health fair, 92 completed questionnaires. Fifty-five (61%) were female, 48 (52%) were born in Africa, and 55 (63%) had health insurance. Half of African-born participants accepted HIV testing; all tested negative. The most common reasons for declining testing were lack of perceived risk for HIV and knowledge of HIV status. We identified a high prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among health fair participants; among those tested, 77% (55/71) were overweight/obese, 39% (31/79) had blood pressure > 140/90 mmHg, and 30% (22/73) had total cholesterol > 200 mg/dL. KIIs identified community stigma and misinformation as major barriers to HIV testing among African-born individuals.

Conclusions

Residential health fairs are a feasible method to increase HIV testing among African-born individuals in Seattle. The high prevalence of NCDs highlights the importance of integrating general preventive services within HIV testing programs in this population.

SUBMITTER: Roberts DA

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6502314 | biostudies-literature | 2019

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Publications

Harambee!: A pilot mixed methods study of integrated residential HIV testing among African-born individuals in the Seattle area.

Roberts D Allen DA Kerani Roxanne R Tsegaselassie Solomon S Abera Seifu S Lynes Ashley A Scott Emily E Chung Karen K Yohannes Ermias E Basualdo Guiomar G Stekler Joanne D JD Barnabas Ruanne R James Jocelyn J Cooper-Ashford Shelley S Patel Rena R

PloS one 20190506 5

<h4>Background</h4>African-born individuals in the U.S. are disproportionately affected by HIV yet have low HIV testing rates. We conducted a mixed methods study to assess the uptake and feasibility of a novel strategy for integrating HIV testing into residential health fairs among African-born individuals in Seattle, WA.<h4>Methods</h4>From April to May 2018, we held six health fairs at three apartment complexes with high numbers of African-born residents. Fairs included free point-of-care scre ...[more]

PMID: 31059553

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Dataset Information

Harambee!: A pilot mixed methods study of integrated residential HIV testing among African-born individuals in the Seattle area.

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Publications

Harambee!: A pilot mixed methods study of integrated residential HIV testing among African-born individuals in the Seattle area.

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