Breaking barriers: A qualitative study exploring the social and cultural factors that influence HIV awareness and uptake of HIV prevention among women of African and Caribbean heritage in England.

ABSTRACT:

Background

There have been impressive advancements made in preventing and treating HIV. However, the impacts have not been experienced equally across demographics in England. African born persons, in particular women of Black African ethnicity, continue to be disproportionately affected by HIV. HIV prevention campaigns have often overlooked social, cultural, and structural factors that shape access to HIV prevention.

Objectives

This paper explores how women of African and Caribbean heritage understand HIV within their social networks, and how they perceive HIV and sexual health services. This insight is needed to develop more inclusive and effective approaches to HIV prevention.

Design

This study adopted a participatory action research framework, acknowledging lived e

SUBMITTER: Jones N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12553937 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan-Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature