Addressing Increasing HIV/AIDS Infections Among African Immigrants: A Cognitive and Behavorial Group Level Intervention

Massachusetts, one of the states with the largest amount of new immigrants in the country, has seen a rise in HIV infections among Sub-Saharan Africans (SSAs). The population is not only diverse because of religion, ethnic background and language, but also immigration status. There are also individual or interpersonal issues such as male dominance/female subordination, low self-esteem, circumcision, sexual assault, sex for benefit, etc. These general issues and unique situations of need make it challenging to engage Sub-Saharan Africans (SSAs) in HIV/AIDS services. The most detrimental risk factor among Africans immigrants and refuges as it relates to HIV is stigma. In an effort to address the complex barriers to HIV prevention, education, and care, including stigma, the Multicultural AIDS Coalition – Africans For Improved Access Program, a Boston-based AIDS-serving organization, developed In Our House: An African Story Video & Curriculum (IOH), which is an group level intervention that includes a step-by-step instruction manual and video. The IOH video was based on the African traditional oral art of storytelling, which draws on the collective wisdom and experiences of a community reinforcing their history, values and ways of life, thus having social and ethnical importance. To supplement the video, the curriculum builds on basic HIV information to engage participants about their real and perceived susceptibility to HIV/AIDS, increase skill levels, and shift attitudes. IOH also serves as a tool for educating service providers about cultural competency issues affecting their provision of services to this community.