Research Library

Sub-Saharan African immigrants living with HIV in Canada: a narrative inquiry

Abstract
Canadian epidemiological data suggest an increasing number of HIV infections among people from HIV-endemic countries, including sub-Saharan Africa. The purpose of this paper is to study the lived experiences of African immigrants living with HIV in Canada. The researchers found several narrative threads related to: stigma, social, and family exclusion; as well as HIV illness as a complex personal, familial, and social experience. Also, narratives across different geographic and social spaces shaped the complex experience among African immigrants living with HIV in Canada. The intent of this research was to demonstrate a deeper understanding of lived experience, among African immigrants living with HIV in Canada. It is important to understand social factors and the experience of HIV-related stigma because such experiences impact access to health and social services, as well as health and social outcomes of immigrants living with HIV. Based on the findings of this study, further research is needed to: study more closely the familial contexts of African families affected by HIV in Canada; explore the social and political landscapes that impact the experience of HIV illness and related stigma in Canada, in the context of migration and settlement; and examine the relationship between these experiences and the health and social outcomes of African immigrants living with HIV in Canada.
Authors: Añiela dela Cruz,Vera Caine,Judy Mill Publication Date: 1/1/2016

Publication Type: Journal Article

URL:https://doi.org/10.1108/IJMHSC-12-2014-0046
Notes

Open-access – No

Location

Alberta

Key recommendations

Future research should look more closely at the familial contexts of African families who are affected by HIV in Canada as well as how the stigma attached to this illness impacts them in social contexts. African immigrants are overrepresented in HIV statistics across a number of Canadian provices while they make up a small proportion of the total Canadian population. Therefore, attention should be paid to how their settlement process is impacted by the stigma, so that they do not face further marginalization.

Key populations

African immigrants living with HIV

Key findings

This paper’s findings show that African immigrants endure various personal, familial, and social obstacles due to having been diagnosed with the HIV illness. In addition to the impact of the illness on thier physical and emotional health, they face stigma and, hence, experience exclusion from family and social agents.

Gaps identified

Limited research addressing the needs of Canadians of African descent living with HIV who are in need of access to care, treatment and support services.

Community organizations

NA

Integration timeline

At what point during the integration process the study was conducted?

~10-20 years


Publisher: Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Collections physical-and-mental-health , social-services

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