Research Update
This section sets out research news sent in to AHRF News by members of the Forum or announced at the 5th seminar day
Key Focus
SONHIA
Study of Newly Diagnosed HIV Infection amongst Africans in London
Background: The UK heterosexual epidemic is intimately linked to that in sub-Saharan Africa, with Africans forming the second largest group affected by HIV in the UK. There were over 6500 Africans diagnosed with HIV in the UK 2002. Africans present for diagnosis later than non-Aficans; they are more likely to be present with an AIDS defining illness (35%) than non-Africans (13%).
Aim: Describe the health beliefs, health care utilisation and clinical presentation patterns of newly diagnosed HIV positive Africans in London in order to inform development of culturally appropriate HIV prevention interventions.
Methods: The study consists of both quantitative and qualitative components. Eligible respondents will be all HIV positive persons attending study centres who: are 18 years or older; were born or raised in Africa and have been diagnosed for the first time in the 6 months preceding recruitment. The study will include Africans of all ethnicities.
A cross-sectional survey will be conducted at 10 treatment centres across London. A self-completed questionnaire will be given to recruited participants. Respondents will be reimbursed for their time. Using 80% power, 330 respondents will be recruited in order to detect significant associations of moderate strength.
The qualitative component of the study will take the form of semi-structured in-depth interviews. Results from the cross-sectional survey will be used to structure the interviews.
Outputs: This study will increase our understanding of the factors which influence access to, and utilisation of, health and social services by Africans in Britain. Data generated will be used to assess: the HIV testing behaviours of Africans in the UK; factors associated with delayed presentation to care; the proportion of HIV infections acquired within the UK and the probability of onward transmission of HIV infection related to undiagnosed HIV infection.
For further information contact:
Fiona Burns or Ibi Fakoya
MESH Programme, Centre for Sexual Health and HIV Research, 4th Floor, Mortimer Market Centre, London WC1E 6AU
Tel.: 020 7380 9300 ext. 8188 / 8970
Email: fburns@gum.ucl.ac.uk • ifakoya@gum.ucl.ac.uk
Mike Kesby from the University of St. Andrews announced his study “HIV related sexual behaviours among African migrants in London: A participatory research design and pilot project” is about to go into the pilot stage.
Edwige Fortier reported that the All Parliamentary Group on AIDS is meeting with individuals from a wide range of organisations to discuss the implementation of recommendations from the recent APPGA report on Migrants and HIV.
Marsha Saunders announced that she will be working on an asylum seekers and sexual health handbook. Work will begin with a training programme aimed at community researchers who will provide much of the information.
Katharine Sadler from the Health Protection Agency announced that the MAYISHA II study will begin recruiting field workers for the pilot stage of the study in February 2003.
In the first quarter of 2004, Ibi Fakoya will be publishing the results of the cross-sectional survey carried out at the 4th African HIV Research Forum Seminar day. The questionnaire was designed to assess the research, training and evaluation needs of African organisations and researchers in the UK.