Examining Migration, Social Bonds, Transnationalism, and HIV Prevention Pathways Among African Immigrants.

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.

Conditions

• HIV Prevention
• HIV Testing
• Sexual and Reproductive Health

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

Relationship-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.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Yale University

  collaborator OTHER

• State University of New York at Buffalo

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Gloria A. Aidoo-Frimpong, PhD, MPH, MA · State University of New York at Buffalo

Study Design

Allocation

NA

Purpose

PREVENTION

Masking

NONE

Model

SINGLE_GROUP

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Max Age

50 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2026-08-04

Primary Completion

2027-08-31

Completion

2027-09-30

Countries

• United States

Study Locations