Increasing testing for STIs within the Black Caribbean community
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Increasing engagement with testing for sexually transmitted infections within the Black Caribbean community
IRAS ID
306971
Contact name
Gemma Heath
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Aston University
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 6 months, 16 days
Research summary
Research Summary
The Black Caribbean population have a disproportionately high burden of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) compared with other ethnic groups in the UK. Existing evidence has found that individuals with Black Caribbean ethnicity are eight times more likely to be diagnosed with gonorrhoea, and six times more likely to be diagnosed with syphilis, than White British individuals. Social media/networking platforms have been shown to engage high-risk key populations who fail to access in-person services and may provide a venue for efficacious sexual health interventions. In order to increase the evidence base however, there is a need for more studies that target the specific needs of at-risk groups. The aim of this qualitative research is to better understand what makes it easy or difficult for members of the Black Caribbean community to access STI tests, and how social media campaigns can be used to increase STI testing. This study will use online group discussions and individual interviews with 10-15 young adults (aged 16-25 years) from the Black Caribbean community and 10 health professionals who work within a sexual healthcare setting. Potential young adult participants will be identified through a range of methods, such as through adverts on social media platforms, in colleges/universities, local community groups and a sexual health clinic, and text messages to recent eligible sexual health clinic users. For individuals who wish to contribute to the research, but do not wish to take part in a group discussion, we will offer individual interviews mirroring the group discussion questions. With permission, focus groups/interviews will be recorded and the recordings transcribed and analysed using a thematic framework approach. Findings will inform the development and implementation of the first evidence-based, theory-driven and user-centred social media intervention to support increased testing for STIs by young adult members of the Black Caribbean community.
Summary of Results
Data analysis generated three themes (1) culturally embedded stigma, (2) historically embedded mistrust, (3) lack of knowledge. Perceived as “dirty”, particularly for females, infection with STIs was stigmatised by religious conceptions of “purity” and shame. This presented challenges in terms of cultural acceptability of talking about STI testing with partners, friends, and family. Legacies of colonialism, medical racism and malpractice informed young people’s mistrust of medical intervention and trust in confidentiality of data management. A lack of knowledge related to STIs and their treatment, and in how to access and perform STI tests further served as a barrier. Culturally tailored interventions targeting these factors and delivered by radio, podcasts and social media were highlighted as having potential to improve engagement with STI testing.
REC name
North of Scotland Research Ethics Committee 2
REC reference
22/NS/0019
Date of REC Opinion
15 Mar 2022
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion