Social Justice and HIV/AIDS Prevention

Peter Newman, Faculty of Social Work

HIV/AIDS travels along the lines of poverty and disenfranchisement. HIV/AIDS is both the cause of monumental suffering and death and a symptom of deeper social inequalities and prejudices in Canada and around the world. My program of research prioritizes and engages stakeholders from vulnerable communities most affected by HIV/AIDS in the design and development of empirically-based, culturally competent, population specific interventions to prevent HIV/AIDS and to promote health and wellbeing.

Sisters, Mothers, Daughters & Aunties: Protecting Black Women from HIV (The Protection Project)

In collaboration with Women’s Health in Women’s Hands Community Health Centre, this multi-method study explores the acceptability of future HIV vaccines among Black women of African and Caribbean origin in Toronto. Assessments include knowledge, attitudes, barriers and motivators regarding hypothetical HIV vaccine acceptability and intentions to change HIV risk behaviours in response to hypothetical vaccines. The purpose is to support the design of empirically-based interventions to ensure appropriate and equitable dissemination of and access to future HIV vaccines, as well as to facilitate accessibility and utilization of present HIV prevention services.

Researchers:
Peter A. Newman
Charmaine Williams
Notisha Massaquoi
Izumi Sakamoto

HIV Risk Behaviours among Men who have Sex with Men in Chennai, India

Working with a Chennai-based researcher and community-based organizations in Chennai, this investigation assesses HIV/AIDS knowledge, attitudes and behaviours, stigma and discrimination, condom accessibility, and preferences for preventive interventions among 200 men who have sex with men (MSM) and male sex workers in Chennai. Findings will be used in collaboration with community stakeholders to advocate for and design HIV prevention programs tailored for MSM in Chennai

Researchers:
Peter A. Newman
C. Venkatesan (India)

Acceptability of Future HIV Vaccines in the Aboriginal Community

This qualitative pilot study, conducted in cooperation with the agency, Two-spirited People of the First Nations, explores the acceptability of hypothetical future HIV vaccines among Aboriginal communities in Toronto.

Researcher:
Peter A. Newman