Migration, Social Bonds, Transnationalism, and HIV Prevention Pathways Among African Immigrants (MiST-Pathways)
State University of New York at Buffalo
Summary
The goal of this mixed-methods pilot study is to learn whether migration experiences, social bonds, and transnational ties shape HIV prevention decision-making, including HIV testing, HIV self-testing (HIVST), and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) uptake, among first-generation African immigrants aged 18 to 50 residing in New York and Massachusetts. The main questions it aims to answer are: * What relationship typologies and migration-related relational mechanisms influence HIV testing, HIVST, and PrEP decision-making among African immigrants? * Can a relationship-tailored HIV prevention intervention component, co-developed with the community, demonstrate feasibility and acceptability among African immigrants? * Does exposure to the prioritized intervention component show directional increases in HIV testing intention, willingness to use HIVST, interest in PrEP, and readiness for relationship-based prevention communication? There is no comparison group. All Aim 3 participants receive the same co-developed intervention component. Participants will: * Complete a qualitative interview (60-90 minutes) and/or a structured electronic survey (15-20 minutes) about their relationship experiences, migration history, and HIV prevention behaviors. * Take part in a 3-4 hour structured group deliberation session called a Palava Hut Conversation to co-develop and prioritize HIV prevention intervention ideas. * Complete a baseline survey, receive the prioritized intervention component in a structured Zoom session, and complete a follow-up survey with an optional 60-90 minute cognitive interview for a subset of participants.
Description
African immigrants in the United States account for a disproportionate share of new HIV diagnoses relative to their population size, yet this community remains underrepresented in HIV prevention research. Existing prevention strategies rarely address the relational and structural contexts that shape prevention engagement in this population. Relationships, including intimate partnerships, family systems, and co-ethnic social networks, function as key mechanisms through which HIV risk perception, disclosure, and prevention decisions are negotiated. Migration reorganizes these relational structur…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18–50 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria: Individuals must meet ALL of the following criteria: * Age 18 to 50 years at the time of enrollment * Self-identify as a first-generation African immigrant (born in an African country and currently residing in the United States) * Currently reside in New York or Massachusetts * Able to communicate in English at approximately a 3rd-grade reading level * Have access to a smartphone or computer with internet capability sufficient to participate in Zoom and/or WhatsApp-based study activities * Willing and able to provide informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Are under 18 ye…
Interventions
- BehavioralRelationship-Centered HIV Prevention Intervention Component (Proof-of-Concept)
A structured, culturally grounded, relationship-tailored behavioral intervention component co-developed and prioritized through Palava Hut Conversations in Aim 2. The intervention is delivered via Zoom in a standardized facilitation structure and may include guided reflection prompts, scenario-based discussions, structured relational messaging, or communication skill-building exercises designed to address migration-shaped relational dynamics influencing HIV testing, HIVST, and PrEP decision-making. The intervention does not involve drugs, devices, or clinical procedures. Session duration: approximately 60-75 minutes.
Location
- State University of New York at BuffaloBuffalo, New York