HIV risks and prevention: themes from a community forum among African community members in Queensland

Introduction: Significant health disparities persist regarding new/late HIV diagnoses among HIV sub-Saharan African communities in Australia . A wide range of personal and cultural beliefs and practices significantly influence HIV risk and prevention both within Australia and during return visits to countries of origin. Method: A community forum was conducted which included 23 male and female adult members of African community agencies/networks and stakeholders. The forum was facilitated by cultural workers and an experienced clinician/researcher. The forum consisted of small and large group discussions regardingkey topics with responses transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was utilised to analyse data collected at the forum. Ethics approval was obtained. Results: Issues of stigma and denial, social norms, tradition and culture permeated perceptions and beliefs regarding HIV prevention and transmission among African Australians, particularly in relation to return travel to countries of origin. Conclusions: The role of international travel as a risk factor for HIV acquisition requires increased examination and review, as do the role of the GP and Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) as responses to that risk. Further assessment of PrEP as an appropriate and feasible intervention within the community is needed with careful attention given to negative community perceptions and its potential impact on individuals

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