Are HIV/AIDS services in Leeds, UK, able to meet the needs of asylum seekers?

BACKGROUND

The Yorkshire and Humberside region of England ranks second only to London for reception of those seeking asylum in the UK. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevalence amongst asylum seekers is likely to mirror that in the country of origin. In 2001, the city of Leeds received 1100 asylum seekers, including dependents. Many of these were from areas with high seroprevalence of HIV, and HIV-infected asylum seekers require medical and social support. Are the current services for HIV-infected persons in Leeds appropriate and adequate for this new patient group? Provision of sexual health services for this client group needs to be evaluated.

OBJECTIVES

To determine whether existing HIV/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) services in Leeds meet the needs of HIV-positive asylum seekers.

METHODS

This was a qualitative study using semi-structured interviews. Seven service providers and 14 HIV-positive patients at Leeds Centre for Sexual Health, six of whom were asylum seekers, took part in the study.

RESULTS

Asylum seekers and UK residents were equally satisfied with HIV/AIDS services at Leeds Centre for Sexual Health. Other agencies such as the Health Access Team and Terrence Higgins Trust had different strengths that provided valuable support for this client group. Unmet needs of asylum seekers were identified, such as specialist services for torture victims and educational opportunities. In areas of asylum seeker dispersal with increased case loads, this methodology may inform development of client-centred care networks.