A Community-Based, Multidisciplinary Training Program to Improve HIV Services for US-Based African Immigrants

Lessons Learned over 5 Years of Implementation

Bibliographic Data

ID15470454
AuthorsChioma Nnaji (0000-0001-8512-7913, AIDS United, corresponding author), Rena C Patel (0000-0001-9893-5856, University of Alabama at Birmingham), Agatha Adigwe (AIDS United), Agatha O Adigwe (Multicultural AIDS Coalition, Boston, MA 02119, USA), Philip Day (0000-0003-2713-0529, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School), Philip G Day (University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School), María Fernanda Escobar (0000-0002-1441-0890, Institute on Assets and Social Policy, Heller School for Social Policy and Management, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA 02453, USA)
Year2026
Volume23
Issue3
Pages332-332
Publication date2026-03-06
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1661-7827 • E-ISSN: 1660-4601
PublisherMultidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (PUBLISHER • CH)
DOI10.3390/ijerph23030332
PMID41899709
OpenAlexW7134121889
LanguageEN
References cited36

African immigrants in the U.S. face disproportionately high rates of HIV, yet existing services often lack alignment with their cultural and linguistic needs. Healthcare providers are rarely trained to address these gaps, contributing to persistent disparities in HIV prevention and care. Traditional in-house trainings for providers often have limited applicability. Collaborative, community-engaged approaches offer an opportunity to build culturally responsive, coordinated care. African Immigrant (AI) Health was a 5-year initiative integrating the Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes model, Community of Practice model, and Commitment to Change (CtC) evaluation framework. We used an iterative process to improve the AI Health program based on participant feedback. Data were collected through pre/post-CtC questionnaires, case presentations, and discussion groups. CtCs were analyzed thematically and organized using the socioecological model. Over five years, 100+ providers enrolled, with 58 completing the program. Participants represented diverse healthcare roles, with a majority identifying as Black/African American (62%), female (81%), and residing in the Northeast region (57%). A total of 390 CtCs were developed, with the most common themes at the individual level. Most (54.5%) participants partially implemented their CtCs. Participants who implemented their CtCs reported improvements in culturally responsive care. Iterative adaptations enhanced engagement and retention. AI Health effectively supported providers in enhancing HIV care for African immigrants through culturally responsive training. Findings highlight the need for sustainable, longitudinal training models that integrate community expertise and call for policy and structural reforms to address systemic barriers to equitable HIV care

Cultural competence · Cultural diversity · Ethnic group · Health care · Health equity · Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV · Immigration · Multidisciplinary approach · Program evaluation · Cultural Competency in Health Care · Health Policy Implementation Science · HIV/AIDS Research and Interventions

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