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Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health
Published in: Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health 1/2015

01-02-2015 | Original Paper

Increasing HIV Testing Among African Immigrants in Ireland: Challenges and Opportunities

Authors: Adebola A. Adedimeji, Aba Asibon, Gerard O’Connor, Richard Carson, Ethan Cowan, Philip McKinley, Jason Leider, Patrick Mallon, Yvette Calderon

Published in: Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health | Issue 1/2015

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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.
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Metadata
Title
Increasing HIV Testing Among African Immigrants in Ireland: Challenges and Opportunities
Authors
Adebola A. Adedimeji
Aba Asibon
Gerard O’Connor
Richard Carson
Ethan Cowan
Philip McKinley
Jason Leider
Patrick Mallon
Yvette Calderon
Publication date
01-02-2015
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health / Issue 1/2015
Print ISSN: 1557-1912
Electronic ISSN: 1557-1920
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10903-014-9986-x

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