An exploratory study on the mental health of immigrants, refugees and non-status people living with HIV in Toronto

Improving HIV medication adherence among forced migrants living with HIV: a qualitative study of refugees and asylum seekers in Malaysia

Introduction

Adherence to medication regimens is essential to decrease morbidity/mortality and increase life expectancy among HIV positive persons on Highly Active Anti-retroviral Therapy (HAART). This study was born in response to the absence of information regarding access and adherence to HAART among refugee and asylum seekers in urban, irregular, transit country settings.

Objectives

The purpose was to understand the barriers and facilitators to HIV medication adherence among refugees and asylum seekers living with HIV and to generate novel recommendations to facilitate adherence.

Methods

Individual in-depth interviews were conducted with 34 refugees and asylum seeks to explore their lived experiences. Interviews were structured around the social ecological model to capture influences of multiple levels. Thematic analysis was conducted on transcripts.

Results

Stigma, lack of knowledge and language barriers were among the main barriers noted by refugees and asylum-seekers in relation to HIV medication adherence, whereas interpersonal relationships, improved health, and strong patient-physician relationships were seen as facilitators. Participants noted their desire for community-support groups, education, and increased use of interpreters in order to combat some of the social barriers preventing full HIV medication adherence.

Conclusion

A regular status shapes participants’ adherence to HIV medications. Group-based interventions to support refugees are needed.

Experiences of Migrant People Living with HIV in a Multidisciplinary HIV Care Setting with Rapid B/F/TAF Initiation and Cost-Covered Treatment: The ‘ASAP’ Study

This study aimed to explore the experiences of migrant people living with HIV (MLWH) enrolled in a Montreal-based multidisciplinary HIV care clinic with rapid antiretroviral treatment (ART) initiation and cost-covered ART. Between February 2020 and March 2022, 32 interviews were conducted with 16 MLWH at three time-points (16 after 1 week of ART initiation, 8 after 24 weeks, 8 after 48 weeks). Interviews were analyzed via the Framework Method. Thirty categories were identified, capturing experiences across the HIV care cascade. At diagnosis, most MLWH described “initially experiencing distress”. At linkage, almost all MLWH discussed “navigating the health system with difficulty”. At treatment initiation, almost all MLWH expressed “being satisfied with treatment”, particularly due to a lack of side effects. Regarding care retention, all MLWH noted “facing psychosocial or health-related challenges beyond HIV”. Regarding ART adherence, most MLWH expressed “being satisfied with treatment” with emphasis on their taking control of HIV. At viral suppression, MLWH mentioned “finding more peace of mind since becoming undetectable”. Regarding their perceived health-related quality of life, most MLWH indicated “being helped by a supportive social network”. Efficient, humanizing, and holistic approaches to care in a multidisciplinary setting, coupled with rapid and free ART initiation, seemed to help alleviate patients’ concerns, address their bio-psycho-social challenges, encourage their initial and sustained engagement with HIV care and treatment, and ultimately contribute to positive experiences.

Engaging African-Caribbean, Asian, and Latino community leaders to address HIV stigma in Toronto

Purpose

Racialized minority and newcomer communities are over-represented in positive HIV cases in Canada. Stigma has been identified as one of the barriers to HIV prevention, testing, and treatment. Faith, media, and social justice sectors have historically served a vital role in promoting health issues in these communities. However, they have been relatively inactive in addressing HIV-related issues. The purpose of this paper is to report on the results of an exploratory study that engaged faith, media, and social justice leaders in the African-Caribbean, Asian, and Latino communities in Toronto.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a qualitative interpretive design and focus groups to explore the challenges and opportunities in addressing HIV stigma. A total of 23 people living with HIV and 22 community leaders took part in seven focus groups. Intersectionality was used as an analytical lens to examine the social processes that perpetuate HIV stigma.

Findings

This paper focuses on the perspectives of community leaders. Five themes were identified: misconception of HIV as a gay disease; moralistic religious discourses perpetuate HIV stigma; invisibility of HIV reinforces community denial; need to promote awareness and compassion for people with HIV; and the power of collective community efforts within and across different sectors.

Originality/value

Although affected communities are faced with many challenges related to HIV stigma, effective change may be possible through concerted efforts championed by people living with HIV and community leaders. One important strategy identified by the participants is to build strategic alliances among the HIV, media, faith, social justice, and other sectors. Such alliances can develop public education and HIV champion activities to promote public awareness and positive emotional connections with HIV issues, challenge HIV stigma and related systems of oppression, and engage young people in HIV championship.