Culturally sensitive approaches to HIV molecular epidemiology: perspectives and recommendations from community and partners.
Abstract
BACKGROUND – HIV Molecular Epidemiology (HME) is a tool used to identify and disrupt rapidly growing HIV transmission networks. In Georgia, the identification of transmission networks affecting minority populations underscores the need for culturally sensitive HME approaches. This study aims to gather perspectives from community members and public health officials (PHOs), exploring the ideal characteristics, skills, and training of PHOs conducting HME, as well as recommendations for adapting HME to better serve priority populations.
METHODS – Between December 2023 and September 2024, we held 12 virtual focus group discussions on culturally sensitive HME approaches for minority populations. Participants included 16 PHOs from jurisdictions across the U.S. and 45 community members, including 23 Black cisgender women, 16 Hispanic/Latino men, and 6 Hispanic/Latina transgender women, recruited through public health networks and community partners. Each session began with a 10-minute video explaining HME.
RESULTS – Participant Perspectives: Most PHOs were familiar with HME, though few had received specific training. Among community members, 47% were unfamiliar with HME. PHO Characteristics, Skills, and Training: Participants highlighted the importance of PHOs having lived experiences similar to the network members they engage, which fosters patient-centered, empathetic, and non-judgmental interactions. Key training topics included people-first language, motivational interviewing, trauma-informed care, and interactive resources. Recommendations: Participants suggested prioritizing patient preferences in referrals, simplifying HME language to avoid jargon, and maintaining a casual, non-judgmental tone. Ensuring transparency, privacy, and knowledge of local medical and social services was deemed essential. Information on HME should be offered in Spanish and English, along with educational opportunitiesfor the community.
CONCLUSION – While many PHOs were familiar with HME, training gaps and a lack of community awareness remain challenges. Participants recommended PHOs undergo specific training in cultural sensitivity. Simplifying HME language, ensuring transparency, and providing bilingual resources were seen as essential for fostering trust and improving client-oriented HME practices.
Keywords
cluster detection response, HIV, molecular epidemiology
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Culturally sensitive approaches to HIV molecular epidemiology: perspectives and recommendations from community and partners.
BACKGROUND – HIV Molecular Epidemiology (HME) is a tool used to identify and disrupt rapidly growing HIV transmission networks. In Georgia, the identification of transmission networks affecting minority populations underscores the need for culturally sensitive HME approaches. This study aims to gather perspectives from community members and public health officials (PHOs), exploring the ideal characteristics, skills, and training of PHOs conducting HME, as well as recommendations for adapting HME to better serve priority populations.
METHODS – Between December 2023 and September 2024, we held 12 virtual focus group discussions on culturally sensitive HME approaches for minority populations. Participants included 16 PHOs from jurisdictions across the U.S. and 45 community members, including 23 Black cisgender women, 16 Hispanic/Latino men, and 6 Hispanic/Latina transgender women, recruited through public health networks and community partners. Each session began with a 10-minute video explaining HME.
RESULTS – Participant Perspectives: Most PHOs were familiar with HME, though few had received specific training. Among community members, 47% were unfamiliar with HME. PHO Characteristics, Skills, and Training: Participants highlighted the importance of PHOs having lived experiences similar to the network members they engage, which fosters patient-centered, empathetic, and non-judgmental interactions. Key training topics included people-first language, motivational interviewing, trauma-informed care, and interactive resources. Recommendations: Participants suggested prioritizing patient preferences in referrals, simplifying HME language to avoid jargon, and maintaining a casual, non-judgmental tone. Ensuring transparency, privacy, and knowledge of local medical and social services was deemed essential. Information on HME should be offered in Spanish and English, along with educational opportunitiesfor the community.
CONCLUSION – While many PHOs were familiar with HME, training gaps and a lack of community awareness remain challenges. Participants recommended PHOs undergo specific training in cultural sensitivity. Simplifying HME language, ensuring transparency, and providing bilingual resources were seen as essential for fostering trust and improving client-oriented HME practices.
