Community-Driven Recommendations for Developing Culturally Aligned Messaging to Improve Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Acceptability and Uptake Among US-Based African Immigrants

African immigrants in the United States experience increased HIV risk due to social and structural barriers such as language constraints, stigma, and cultural misconceptions. Despite this, research on effective pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) messaging tailored to this population remains limited. This study examines how PrEP communication can be adapted to meet the needs of Ghanaian immigrants who represent a segment of the larger African immigrant population. Semistructured interviews were conducted, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using NVivo 12. The analysis highlights key considerations for effective PrEP messaging, including the importance of cultural and linguistic relevance, the role of familiar and relatable messengers, and the need for clear and practical information. Participants emphasized the significance of addressing stigma and misinformation with factual, empathetic messaging and expressed a preference for ongoing community-based education about PrEP. Community leaders and health care professionals were identified as influential sources of information, capable of shaping attitudes and increasing uptake. These findings underscore the necessity of culturally tailored, community-driven approaches to PrEP messaging that bridge linguistic and cultural gaps. Integrating these insights into health communication strategies can improve awareness, acceptance, and utilization of PrEP among Ghanaian immigrants, ultimately contributing to more equitable HIV prevention efforts.

Authors

Institutions

Publication Details

Journal
AIDS Patient Care and STDs
Published
2025-03-19
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1089/apc.2025.0020
Citations
3
Primary Topic
Health Literacy and Information Accessibility
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
8.45
Controls
|||
ALL TIME
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
article

Community-Driven Recommendations for Developing Culturally Aligned Messaging to Improve Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Acceptability and Uptake Among US-Based African Immigrants

Toluwani E. Adekunle, Collins Adu, Gloria A. Aidoo-Frimpong, Gamji Rabiu Abu-Ba’are
3 citations
AIDS Patient Care and STDs
Health Literacy and Information Accessibility
8.45
article

Community-Driven Recommendations for Developing Culturally Aligned Messaging to Improve Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Acceptability and Uptake Among US-Based African Immigrants

Toluwani E. Adekunle, Collins Adu, Gloria A. Aidoo-Frimpong, Gamji Rabiu Abu-Ba’are
article en
3 citations

Abstract

African immigrants in the United States experience increased HIV risk due to social and structural barriers such as language constraints, stigma, and cultural misconceptions. Despite this, research on effective pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) messaging tailored to this population remains limited. This study examines how PrEP communication can be adapted to meet the needs of Ghanaian immigrants who represent a segment of the larger African immigrant population. Semistructured interviews were conducted, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using NVivo 12. The analysis highlights key considerations for effective PrEP messaging, including the importance of cultural and linguistic relevance, the role of familiar and relatable messengers, and the need for clear and practical information. Participants emphasized the significance of addressing stigma and misinformation with factual, empathetic messaging and expressed a preference for ongoing community-based education about PrEP. Community leaders and health care professionals were identified as influential sources of information, capable of shaping attitudes and increasing uptake. These findings underscore the necessity of culturally tailored, community-driven approaches to PrEP messaging that bridge linguistic and cultural gaps. Integrating these insights into health communication strategies can improve awareness, acceptance, and utilization of PrEP among Ghanaian immigrants, ultimately contributing to more equitable HIV prevention efforts.

AIDS Patient Care and STDsVol. 39(5)
Calvin University (US), UNSW Sydney (AU), Yale University (US), University of Rochester (US), University at Buffalo, State University of New York (US)
Openalex Percentile: Top 3%
Health Literacy and Information Accessibility
8.45
AI Navigator

Ask Laika to Summarize, Analyze, and Connect papers live on the map.

Summarize Papers & Methodologies

Extract key findings, datasets, and comparative methods across publications.

Benchmark Rankings & Visual Analytics

Rank top research institutions, authors, funders, topics, and journals by Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) and paper volume with instant charts.

Connect Distant Disciplines

Bridge topological clusters on the map to find hidden collaborative intersections.