Identifying risk factors associated with HIV transmission among African Immigrant Communities in the United Kingdom: A Critical Literature Review

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I would like to take this chance for thanking my research facilitator, friends & family for support they provided & their belief in me as well as guidance they provided without which I would have never been able to do this research.

DECLARATION

I, (Your name), would like to declare that all contents included in this thesis/dissertation stand for my individual work without any aid, & this thesis/dissertation has not been submitted for any examination at academic as well as professional level previously. It is also representing my very own views & not essentially which are associated with university.

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ABSTRACT

In this study we will try to explore the concept of “HIV transmission” among African Immigrant Communities in United Kingdom. The main focus of the research will be to reflect on the risk factors associated with HIV transmission and how they can be identified. The research will also critically analyze the Literature provided on the issue of HIV transmission among African Immigrants. Finally the research describes various methods which are known for the identification of risk factors associated with the HIV transmission among African Immigrants communities in United Kingdom. Although African Immigrants in the United Kingdom are increasingly being affected by HIV/AIDS, there has been no examination of how they are coping with the illness. We investigate the risk factors of HIV-positive transmission from African Immigrants using in-depth critical analysis of the literature. The main risk factors were more cognitive than behavioral: restricted disclosure, submersion, faith, and positive reappraisal. These factors were intertwined in complex ways, and most were rooted in contextual factors, particularly cultural ones. Themes of loss, silence, and reinvention suffused respondents' narratives. Interventions should consider the high degree of stigmatization of HIV/AIDS in the African community, reluctance to disclose, the likelihood of an initial severe reaction to diagnosis, and external stressors. HIV-positive African Immigrants who are coping well could serve as mentors and role models for poor coppers and newly diagnosed patients; establishing African-specific support groups might also support to reduce the virus.

Table of Content

Contents

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT2

DECLARATION3

ABSTRACT4

Table of Content5

CHAPTER 01: INTRODUCTION6

Background of research6

Rationale7

Introduction8

CHAPTER 02: METHODOLOGY9

Methodology9

Aims9

Objectives9

CHAPTER 03: LITERATURE REVIEW12

Risk Factors14

Sexually Transmitted Diseases14

Drug Use15

Incarceration15

Stigma and Archaic Belief Systems Regarding the Disease15

A Critique of Existing Unhealthy Behaviors, Conditions, or Inadequate Interventions16

Sexual Practices/Views Regarding HIV/AIDS16

Functional Analysis of HIV/AIDS Stigma18

Epidemiology - Africans and HIV in the UK20

CHAPTER 04: DISCUSSION/FINDINGS27

Findings27

Discussion29

CHAPTER 05: LIMITATIONS, RECOMMENDATIONS, CONCLUSION32

Limitations32

Scope of Literature32

Recommendations33

Conclusion33

References35

CHAPTER 01: INTRODUCTION

Background of research

There has been a rapid rise in new cases diagnosed of heterosexually contracted HIV in the UK. Of recent the highest number of newly infected cases, around three -quarters has been significantly noted among people from African countries each year (Medical Foundation for AIDS and Sexual Health, 2002). The report in increased rates of HIV cases is not only confined to London alone but in many regions across UK.

In the light of the increase in HIV transmission rates amongst black Africans, with particular focus on immigrants the need to pay much ...