Africans Living In Scotland (Student Matthew Smith) - Anonymised data

This PhD study explored how diversity within the African migrant population in Scotland influences understandings of HIV and engagement with testing and treatment services. Motivated by the disproportionately poor HIV outcomes among Africans in the UK—largely due to late diagnosis—the research aimed to identify barriers to healthcare engagement and inform more effective interventions.
Using qualitative methods, the study involved participant observation and interviews with 27 African migrants (economic migrants, students, and asylum seekers/refugees) and 14 representatives from African-focused organisations across Glasgow, Edinburgh, Paisley, and Kirkcaldy. Thematic analysis revealed:
• Identity and Diversity: The African diaspora in Scotland is highly heterogeneous. The label “African” was often seen as reductive or stigmatizing.
• Community Organisations: African-affiliated groups varied in stability and influence, with mixed contributions to healthcare engagement.
• Healthcare Access: While many participants reported positive experiences, barriers included unfamiliarity with UK healthcare rights, religious beliefs, and concerns about visa implications.
• HIV Knowledge and Services: General HIV awareness was good, but perceptions of risk were misaligned with epidemiological data. Most participants opposed targeted HIV interventions for Africans, fearing increased stigma.
The study concluded that future HIV strategies should reflect the diversity of African communities in Scotland and prioritize collaboration to build trust and relevance. This data is anonymised.