Research Update
This section reports research news sent in to AHRF News by members of the Forum or announced at the 6th seminar day.
Key Focus
Sexual Health of Young People from Black & Minority Ethnic Groups
Background
In order to improve sexual health among young black & minority ethnic (BME) people, accurate and current information is essential. Existing sexual health data is insufficient in terms of ethnicity-specific information. Definitions of ethnicity are limited to groupings that do not account for religious, linguistic and other cultural characteristics of diversity. As a result, a lack of understanding of young people from BME communities hinders the development of effective responses to sexual health issues. Recognising these significant issues and gaps in knowledge, the Trust for the Study of Adolescence (TSA) will conduct research to be used in targeting health intervention strategies to BME youth.
Objectives
Supported by a two-year Community Fund Research Grant, this joint research initiative between Naz Project London (NPL) and the TSA aims to identify the sexual health service and support needs of young BME people aged 15-18. The majority of participants will be recruited from London secondary schools with a large proportion of BME students that have been contacted through NPL’s existing outreach work. Approximately 3,000 self-completion questionnaires and 100 in-depth interviews will be carried out to accomplish the following objectives:
- Identify and explore sexual beliefs, attitudes, lifestyles and behaviours among BME youth
- Develop a sexual health educational resource for practitioners working with BME youth
- Disseminate the research findings and resource throughout the UK
The research findings and educational resource will enable practitioners and other professionals to develop evidence-based responses to narrow the gap in mainstream sexual health service provision experienced by BME youth.
The questionnaire was pre-tested among young BME people in February. Data collection started in April 2004. Reporting, resource development and dissemination activities are planned for the last quarter of 2005.
Contacts
For more information contact Adrienne Testa, Research Officer for the project, on 01273 647 326 or atesta@tsa.uk.com.
Jonathan Elford, from City University announced a new study investigating the clinical, social and prevention needs of HIV positive people in East London. The East London Project will survey around 1000 patients using a questionnaire covering details on socio-economic status, access to support, risk behaviour and stigma.
Lillian Ndawula, Project manager for the National African HIV Prevention Programme (NAHIP), reported that the NAHIP HIV Testing Awareness Campaign has been launched across 10 sites in England. The campaign aims to encourage African people to consider HIV testing as part of god sexual health. The evaluation of the campaign will be carried out by Caroline Fenton at the Royal Free and University College Medical School.
Jane Anderson, Consultant at Homerton University Hospital, updated delegates about a qualitative study in East London focusing on African men living with HIV. Over 30 men have been interviewed so far about their experiences with HIV and how it has affected their lives.
Katharine Sadler from the Health Protection Agency reported that the pilot stage for the MAYISHA II study has been completed. The study will look at the sexual attitudes and lifestyles of Africans living in England. The pilot study took place in London using 9 fieldworkers . The aim was to recruit 100 black African men and women aged 16 years and over from social venues across London. A total of 114 people filled in the sexual health questionnaire, 82% of whom agreed to undertake an unlinked anonymous antibody test as part of the study. The main study will commence in August 2004.