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Africans in UK present late and are likely to be on ARVs soon after a HIV diagnosis

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Africans in UK present late and are likely to be on ARVs soon after a HIV diagnosis

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  1. Methods:A survey questionnaire was self administered by all service users attending the drop-in sessions at the three organisations during two consecutive weeks. For those who preferred to answer them in privacy, prepaid envelopes were provided. Information was collected from participants on two main areas: treatment and nutrition. About 55 participants aged between 20-59 years took part. The data was analysed using SPSS statistical package. We compare differences between services users from African origin and white British and the heterosexual and homosexual groups. The results discussed here are mainly on treatment information. Africans in UK present late and are likely to be on ARVs soon after a HIV diagnosis Author: Dr. Wafula Anyango Gertrude1 1 Black Health Agency, Zion Community ResourceCentre, 339 Stretford Road, Hulme, Manchester,M15 4ZY , UK Introduction: The purpose of the study was to undertake an assessment of the treatment information and nutrition needs of people living with HIV and attending support groups in the North of England. The survey was done between February-June 2008. Three organisations took part in the survey: the Black Health Agency (BHA), George House Trust (GHT) and Leeds Skyline. It was necessary to get baseline facts and identify gaps that needed intervention. Results About 82% of participants of African origin were on treatment as compared to 64.7% from gay group mainly white (X2=7.053,df=2, p= 0.029). Over 75% of all the diagnosis in the last 1-4 years was on treatment. The heterosexual groups were more likely to start treatment (80.6%) soon after diagnosis than the homosexual groups (60.0%). Despite that the majority of participants were on treatment, there was a knowledge gap on ARVs. A total of 37.2% participants could not name the medication they were on given that some had been on treatment for over 4 years. About 15% had misconceptions that ARVs could eradicate HIV and about 9% did not know the recommended guidelines for starting treatment. However, those who were on ARVs for over 10 years reported good health. Figure 1 Map of study sites in Manchester (2) and Leeds (1) Conclusions Late presentation is associated with early start of HIV treatment among Africans in the UK. The emphasis on early testing is suggested to help improve health outcomes of African communities affected by HIV in UK. More knowledge on ARVs is crucial for management and care of HIV related conditions. ARVs are effective with good adherence; and support groups can provide support to enhance ARV adherence. References: UK Health protection Agency (2008), STIs in Black Africans and Black Caribbean in the UK Acknowledgements: This poster is supported by Black Health Agency (BHA ) For contact email: gertrude@blackhealthagency.org.uk Tel: +44 161 232 5393 Website: www.blackhealthagency.org.uk

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