HIV Testing in Nova Scotia: An Indigenous Perspective on Access and Acceptability
Abstract
Understanding the relationship between race/ethnicity and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) provides insight into HIV testing behaviour (PHAC, 2014). Nationally, Indigenous peoples of Canada represent a higher rate of HIV infection than the national average (PHAC, 2014). The purpose of this study is to explore the perceptions of HIV testing within Indigenous populations of Nova Scotia. Individual interviews were conducted to explore barriers and facilitators affecting the accessibility and acceptability of HIV testing within the Indigenous population of Nova Scotia. Further, participants were invited to share their first voice knowledge about the perceptions of HIV testing within Indigenous communities; what is needed for HIV testing to be accessible and acceptable to Indigenous populations; what are the barriers and facilitators to getting tested; and how to improve the access and acceptability of HIV testing within Indigenous populations in Nova Scotia.