Differences in HIV Testing Patterns and Risk Factors Between the Francophone and Anglophone African Immigrants in Philadelphia

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Capstone Chair: Martha C. Romney, RN, MS, JD, MPH Jefferson School of Population Health, Thomas Jefferson University


In the United States, HIV disproportionately affects black individuals who continue to experience the most severe burden of the disease. Efforts have been made to identify and lower barriers to HIV preventive services faced by the black community who are known to be at high risk for HIV infection. However, little is known about HIV infection in the African-born immigrants, who may comprise a significant proportion of black individuals living with HIV in the US. The purpose of this Capstone Project was to assess the differences in the rate of HIV screening and risky behavior between the Francophone and the Anglophone African immigrant individuals in Philadelphia. This Project was a 3 year cross sectional study using secondary data from the African Diaspora Health Initiative, which is organized through the Philadelphia City Health Department, from the period of April 2011 through January 2014. Chi-square test and Logistic regression were used to compare the risk behaviors and examine associations between nativity, rate of screening for HIV and seroprevalence. Overall, Francophone African immigrants, younger individuals ages 13-24 and those who have lived in the US for 2 years or less were most likely to report having a recent HIV test. In regards to HIV seroprevalence rate, it was slightly higher among the Francophone than the Anglophone African immigrants. Risky behaviors such as lack of condom use and multiple partners were apparent in both groups. Determining whether African immigrants are similar or different in terms of their HIV testing patterns or risk behavior is important. However developing tailored programs for African immigrants presents a number of challenges given the populations’ diverse cultures and languages. Therefore, identifying the magnitude of the epidemic among African immigrants in the US by including “country of origin” in HIV report is an important step to addressing those challenges.

Presentation: 23 minutes