Marseille 2007
| Abstract #455 - African gay men living with HIV in London | ||||
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Session: 21.4: Vulnerable populations (Parallel) on Monday @ 16.30-18.30 in 5 Chaired by William Fisher, Tomas Campbell Authors: Presenting Author: Ms Sara Paparini - Homerton University Hospiatl NHS Foundation Trust, United Kingdom |
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| Additional Authors: Prof Lesley Doyal, Dr Jane Anderson, | ||||
| Aim: A series of qualitative studies exploring the lives of Africans living with HIV in the UK has been carried out by researchers now based at the Centre for the study of Sexual Health and HIV (CSSHH) of the Homerton Hospital in London. The first two studies, looking at the lives of African women and men that defined themselves as heterosexuals, were completed respectively in 2003 and 2005. Notably, a study of black African gay men with HIV had never been undertaken in the UK before. Hence this paper presents preliminary findings from the first qualitative study of a sample of black African gay men living with HIV in London. The project was commenced at CSSHH in 2006. The aim was to identify key issues in the experiences of this migrant group and their health-related needs. | ||||
| Method / Issue: The study presented substantial methodological challenges during the recruitment process. Stigma against homosexuality is very strong throughout the African communities and men are often reluctant to discuss their sexual practices and/or identities. Firstly, in order to identify key topics, a focus group and 8 individual in-depth interviews were held with black African gay men of unknown HIV status. Ethical approval was obtained to recruit across hospitals and voluntary organisations. We then identified black African gay patients from a range of HIV clinics and were able to conduct 8 individual in-depth interviews. Results: Men come from a variety of socio-economic backgrounds and from different sub-Saharan African countries. 5 out of 8 are working and 1 is studying; median age is 34; average time spent in the UK is 10 years; average time since HIV diagnosis is 11 years; all were diagnosed in the UK. | ||||
| Results / Comments: Men come from a variety of socio-economic backgrounds and from different sub-Saharan African countries. 5 out of 8 are working and 1 is studying; median age is 34; average time spent in the UK is 10 years; average time since HIV diagnosis is 11 years; all were diagnosed in the UK. | ||||
| Discussion: Despite the diversity of background and experiences, men described facing similar challenges with regards to being gay, being African and living with HIV. Rejection of their sexual identity from those surrounding them appears to be the norm, and conflicts have emerged with their families, their communities, and their religious faith. Living in London has offered unprecedented freedom with regards to their sexuality, but also presented them with the complex realities of migration. Each man described the impact HIV has had on his life in strikingly different terms. For those diagnosed with HIV in the mid 90s, in particular, the result came as a massive shock with the fear of immediate death. Awareness of available treatment has provided a new outlook. Nevertheless, all men talked about how HIV has radically changed the course of their lives, often leading them to take new decisions with regards to their career, their partners and the relationship with their families, to whom they have often not disclosed their status. As rates of HIV infections amongst African men who have sex with men in the UK are increasing, this study offers a first exploration of the complex issues faced by this group. More research is needed to assess whether current primary and secondary prevention strategies are reaching this quite isolated group in the UK. | ||||
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