Abstract
The increasing rates of HIV infection that are currently being reported in high-income countries can be partly explained by
migration from countries with generalized epidemics. Yet, early diagnosis of HIV/AIDS in immigrants remains a challenge. This
study investigated factors that might be limiting immigrants’ access to HIV/AIDS care. Data from 268 legal immigrant students
of two Swedish language schools in Northern Sweden were analyzed using logistic regression. Thirty-seven percent reported
reluctance to seek medical attention if they had HIV/AIDS. Fear of deportation emerged as the most important determinant of
reluctance to seek care after adjusting for socio-demographic factors, knowledge level, stigmatizing attitudes and fear of
disclosure. Targeted interventions should consider the heterogeneity of migrant communities and the complex interplay of various
factors which may impede access to HIV-related services. The myth about deportation because of HIV/AIDS should be countered.
migration from countries with generalized epidemics. Yet, early diagnosis of HIV/AIDS in immigrants remains a challenge. This
study investigated factors that might be limiting immigrants’ access to HIV/AIDS care. Data from 268 legal immigrant students
of two Swedish language schools in Northern Sweden were analyzed using logistic regression. Thirty-seven percent reported
reluctance to seek medical attention if they had HIV/AIDS. Fear of deportation emerged as the most important determinant of
reluctance to seek care after adjusting for socio-demographic factors, knowledge level, stigmatizing attitudes and fear of
disclosure. Targeted interventions should consider the heterogeneity of migrant communities and the complex interplay of various
factors which may impede access to HIV-related services. The myth about deportation because of HIV/AIDS should be countered.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Pages 1-9
- DOI 10.1007/s10903-011-9509-y
- Authors
- Faustine Kyungu Nkulu Kalengayi, Epidemiology and Global Health, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University, 901 85 Umeå, Sweden
- Anna-Karin Hurtig, Epidemiology and Global Health, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University, 901 85 Umeå, Sweden
- Clas Ahlm, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Clinical Microbiology, Umeå University, 901 85 Umeå, Sweden
- Ingela Krantz, Skaraborg Institute for Research and Development, 541 30 Skövde, Sweden
- Journal Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health
- Online ISSN 1557-1920
- Print ISSN 1557-1912