Healthcare lived experiences of African, Caribbean, and Black individuals in Alberta living with HIV/AIDS: A phenomenological study.

OBJECTIVE

This study explores the lived experiences of African, Caribbean, and Black (ACB) individuals in Alberta living with HIV/AIDS and the issues they encounter when accessing services.

METHODS

Interpretive phenomenological analysis (IPA) provided the underlying philosophy, data collection, and analysis methods. Participants self-identified after responding to recruitment posters posted at HIV/AIDS-supporting agencies in Alberta and on related social media pages. A total of 22 research informants were recruited and interviewed. Texts resulting from audio-taped interviews constituted data for analysis.

RESULTS

Data analysis yielded four broad themes, with stigma, discrimination, and racism serving as common threads in the lived experiences of ACB individuals accessing HIV/AIDS services in Alberta. These themes were organized into four categories: (a) health literacy and empowerment, (b) non-belonging and invisibility, (c) barriers to care and adherence, and (d) psychosocial life impacts.

CONCLUSION

The findings suggest the need for greater sensitivity and knowledge among healthcare and service providers, such as providing culturally appropriate support services for the ACB population living with HIV/AIDS. Moreover, a comprehensive community awareness program is necessary to address discrimination, anti-Black racism, and stigma. Expanded efforts to recognize and mitigate barriers to care, such as poverty, accessibility, and settlement issues, are also critical. This perspective advocates for intentional policy and practice changes that focus on diversity, equity, and inclusivity in protocols governing how ACB individuals access HIV/AIDS care in Alberta.