African health cup: An HIV education and health promotion intervention for African immigrant men

In Massachusetts, from 2008-2010, non-US born blacks accounted for 55% of the people born outside of the US diagnosed with HIV. The largest proportions of non-US born persons diagnosed were from Sub-Saharan Africa and Caribbean (32%). Among non-US born females Sub-Saharan African women accounted for 48% and their male counterpart represented 20%. Stigma is the most detrimental risk factor. African born men are less likely than their female counterparts to utilize health services for many reasons. Cultural and immigration barriers add further obstacles to seeking health and HIV services. The Africans for Improved Access Program, in collaboration with community leaders, identified a critical need to target African men in an innovative way that capitalizes on the cultural activity of soccer. The African Health Cup (AHC) is an annual tournament that brings members of African immigrant communities together to celebrate culture, as well as, increase HIV/AIDS awareness, promote HIV testing, and reduce stigma. AHC started in 2010. This session will present findings from AHC 2012. AFIA partnered with the University of Massachusetts Medical School to implement a pilot process and outcome evaluation. A qualitative survey measured access to care, satisfaction with the AHC intervention, attitudes towards HIV testing and HIV-related stigma among 140 African immigrants living in Massachusetts. Qualitative interviews were also conducted with 29 individuals. AHC reached a wild range of Africans according to age, length of time in the US and country of origin. Findings also show a low level of HIV-related stigma and mostly positive HIV testing attitudes.