Socio-cultural Conceptions and HIV-related TB among Haitian Immigrants in Broward County, Florida: A Brief Historical Insight, 1995-2002

This study deals with tuberculosis (TB), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) in Broward County, South Florida. Theoretically, it demonstrates the existing co-infection between TB and HIV that provokes HIV-related TB or AIDS. Additionally, it indicates that AIDS is provoked by HIV co-infection with all opportunistic infections. Nine (9) qualitative interviews and one focus group conducted with 12 Haitian patients and TB control program workers at Fort Lauderdale Health Care Center allowed to understand the connection between TB and HIV, and the patients’ socio-cultural conceptions about HIV-related TB. Then, the study reveals that the prevalence of TB and HIV-related TB has every year a dramatic increase among foreign-born individuals including Haitian residents. To determine this prevalence, the Broward County Health Department charts of 778 reported TB and HIV co-infection cases for the last 6 years were analyzed along with the qualitative interviews. Finally, the study shows that the indicated prevalence is due to both Haitian immigrants’ socio-cultural conceptions and reactions vis-à-vis the TB screening, prevention measures, and treatment.

Socio-cultural Conceptions and HIV-related TB among Haitian Immigrants in Broward County, Florida: A Brief Historical Insight, 1995-2002

This study deals with tuberculosis (TB), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) in Broward County, South Florida. Theoretically, it demonstrates the existing co-infection between TB and HIV that provokes HIV-related TB or AIDS. Additionally, it indicates that AIDS is provoked by HIV co-infection with all opportunistic infections. Nine (9) qualitative interviews and one focus group conducted with 12 Haitian patients and TB control program workers at Fort Lauderdale Health Care Center allowed to understand the connection between TB and HIV, and the patients’ socio-cultural conceptions about HIV-related TB. Then, the study reveals that the prevalence of TB and HIV-related TB has every year a dramatic increase among foreign-born individuals including Haitian residents. To determine this prevalence, the Broward County Health Department charts of 778 reported TB and HIV co-infection cases for the last 6 years were analyzed along with the qualitative interviews. Finally, the study shows that the indicated prevalence is due to both Haitian immigrants’ socio-cultural conceptions and reactions vis-à-vis the TB screening, prevention measures, and treatment.

Barriers to Type 2 Diabetes Management Among Older Adult Haitian Immigrants

Purpose The purpose of this study was to describe the experiences of older adult Haitian immigrants in managing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods A descriptive qualitative approach using semistructured interviews was conducted with 20 older adult Haitian immigrants with T2DM. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and categorized using NVivo. An iterative descriptive data analysis method was used to examine the data, compare codes, challenge interpretations, and develop themes inductively. Results Older adult Haitian immigrants reported that T2DM affected every aspect of their lives. Financial hardship and social isolation were described as the major barriers to T2DM management, which forced them to choose between basic needs and health care, and at times, they had to forgo medications or avoid seeking medical care. They recognized that creating and maintaining good community support was the key to self-management of T2DM. Conclusions Financial hardship and social isolation have a tremendous impact on the ability of older Haitian immigrants to manage T2DM effectively. It is challenging to modify these barriers through individual efforts, and clinical, research, and public efforts may be necessary to address these concerns.

Immigration as practice of organization: discussions about practices of organization, displacement, and integration of Haitian immigrants in the Goiânia Metropolitan Region, in Goiás, Brazil

This study aims to discuss the practices of displacement and organization that are part of the process of integrating Haitian immigrants in the countries that they live, in their diaspora process. Haiti is a country historically marked by displacement, which is observed since the colonial period, when people were forcibly displaced to be enslaved. This article will focus on the process of displacement, through the theoretical lens of Practice-Based Studies, using Michel de Certeau’s theory about social practices, associated with the concepts of Tim Cresswell about displacement and immigration as practice. The research was conducted between August and December 2017 in two Haitian communities in the Goiânia Metropolitan Region, in the state of Goiás, located in Central-West Brazil. For the production of empirical material, we used the techniques of life history interview and participant observation, by accompanying the everyday life activities in the immigrant’s communities. The results show that the practice of displacement of Haitian immigrants is an unfinished and still in process phenomenon, involving different dimensions of events, with international, national, and commuting displacement. It was also possible to conclude that the displacement practices are permeated by organizational practices and that “organizing” and “migrating” are processes involved. In addition, the practice of organization is a key component for integration and access to the workplace in Brazil. Therefore, immigration can be considered sets of practices to organize mobility experiences that are spatially multi-localized and incorporated.

Vulnerability and health promotion of Haitian immigrants: reflections based on Paulo Freire's dialogic práxis

ABSTRACT Objective: To understand the perceptions of Haitian immigrants about the possibilities to promote health, in the face of the vulnerabilities they experience. Method: This is a qualitative, participatory action study, based on Paulo Freire's Research Itinerary, which has three phases: thematic investigation; encoding and decoding; critical unveiling. Ten Haitian immigrants, students of a public university in Brazil, participated in the Culture Circle. Results: In the face of vulnerabilities, Haitian immigrants expressed the need to participate in university social groups, to have moments of integration with Brazilians, to know their rights, to master the Portuguese language, to adapt socially and culturally and to the food, to engage in the promotion of mental health and quality of life through physical activities and leisure. Conclusion: The discussions led to a process of action-reflection-action, in which immigrants reframed their reality, looking for strategies to promote health and empowering themselves in the search for a healthier life.

Infectious and non-infectious diseases burden among Haitian immigrants in Chile: a cross-sectional study

Chile has become a popular destination for migrants from South America and the Caribbean (low- and middle-income countries migration). Close to 200.000 Haitian migrants have arrived in Chile. Infectious and non-infectious disease burden among the Haitian adult population living in Chile is unknown. This study aimed to acquire the basic health information (selected transmissible and non-transmissible conditions) of the Haitian adult population living in Chile. A cross-sectional survey was performed, inviting Haitian-born residents in Chile older than 18 years old. Common conditions and risk factors for disease were assessed, as well as selected transmissible conditions (HIV, HBV, and HCV). 498 participants (60.4% female) from 10 communities in two regions of Chile were surveyed. Most subjects had never smoked (91.5%), and 80% drank less than one alcohol unit per month. The mean BMI was 25.6, with 45% of participants having a normal BMI (20–25). Hypertension was present in 31.5% (33% in the 25–44 age group). Prevalence of HIV was 2.4% (95 CI 1.3–4.2%), hepatitis B (HBsAg positive) was 3.4% (95 CI 2.1–5.5%), and hepatitis C was 0% (95 CI 0.0–0.9%). Quality of life showed a significant prevalence of depression and anxiety markers, particularly in those arriving in Chile less than 1 year ago. Low prevalence of obesity, diabetes, smoking, and drinking and estimated cardiovascular risk were found. Nonetheless, hypertension at a younger age, disproportionately higher prevalence of HIV and HBV infection and frequent markers of anxiety and depression were also found. Public policies for detecting and treating hypertension, HIV, and HBV screening, offering HBV vaccination, and organizing mental health programs for Haitian immigrants, are urgently needed.