397P
DETERMINING THE MOST APPROPRIATE METHODS OF HIV/AIDS PREVENTION AND SERVICE FOR IMMIGRANT AFRICAN COMMUNITIES LIVING IN TORONTO
EA Wambayi1, CM Byrne2
¹Africans In Partnership Against AIDS, Toronto; 2Dean, Faculty of Health Science, University of Ontario, Institute of Technology, Oshawa, Ontario
Objectives: Meet with community leaders and members to explore strategies and policies to address the social determinants that promote the rise of HIV/AIDS. Explore ways to empower communities with knowledge and skills to sustain prevention programs within their communities and the wider population.
Methods: Focus group interviews were conducted with 6 women and 6 men while one in-depth interview was conducted with one male youth. All the four regions of sub-Saharan Africa were represented with 5 participants from eastern Africa, 3 from central Africa, 2 from southern Africa and 3 from the west African region. Participants were given an information form and asked to sign a consent form. Interviews were taped, transcribed verbatim and reviewed for recurrent themes.
Results: Participants expressed concerns that some hard to reach communities still do not accept that AIDS exists. However, they all acknowledged the importance of community awareness and are ready to contribute to spreading awareness in their communities. They all agreed that there is lack of knowledge on HIV/AIDS among African communities in Toronto. There is therefore an urgent need to improve information education and communication (IEC) materials currently being used in the control of HIV/AIDS. Many important themes emerged from the discussions with community education as the main concern for all participants. Others included stigma, discrimination and fear, community mobilization, lack of effective HIV/AIDS programs and a general lack of commitment from groups and individuals who would affect change in policies that would lead to a reduction in the spread of HIV/AIDS.
Conclusions: Many issues emerged from the discussions with participants who suggested a number of recommendations for follow up. It was generally agreed that improving education and information strategies should be the first step in reducing HIV/AIDS among African communities.