A Community-Based Approach to HIV Prevention: Engaging Mayan Young Adults in Rural Guatemala.

BACKGROUND: Guatemala has an accelerating HIV rate, where prevalence is three times higher among indigenous than nonindigenous people. Vulnerability is exacerbated by high poverty, low literacy, and poor access to prevention messaging, testing, and treatment options. This study develops a community-engaged HIV prevention campaign plan for the underserved Mayan town Santiago Atitlán. Guided by the community-based participatory research approach and the Health Belief Model, we identify barriers to and facilitators of HIV testing and condom use. METHODS: Formative data were collected from 50 Mayan heterosexual adults (18-25 years old) and community informants using in-depth interviews and a focus group. RESULTS: Data identified high susceptibility and severity, low rates of condom use, high rates of stigma and low testing rates. DISCUSSION: This research informs the development of a theoretically driven and culturally specific intervention that prioritizes an indigenous population. We highlight how collaboration with community partners enhances positive health promotion.

A culturally competent approach to exploring barriers in organ donation consent among Haitian immigrants: formative focus group findings and implications.

African Americans consent to donation less often than whites, have fears and misconceptions about donation specific to their cultures, and wait longer to receive transplants when the need is identified. However, there is less detailed empirical data on the transplant needs and barriers for Haitian immigrants. This paper describes focus group results designed to identify culturally grounded beliefs, attitudes, and barriers to organ donation. Results were used to design and implement the "Bay Lavi" (Give Life) campaign designed to raise awareness and increase organ donation consent among Haitian Immigrants.