The following are PrEP access barriers and opportunities experienced by immigrant and newcomer communities in Alberta, as described by immigrant and newcomer community members and service providers. This knowledge was shared through EMHC’s PrEP Alberta consultation series and was presented back to participants for validation. While these do not capture all PrEP access barriers, opportunities, and accessibility considerations experienced by immigrant and newcomer community members and service providers, they do provide an important starting point for healthcare of service providers when supporting immigrant and newcomer clients or communities in seeking PrEP.

Barriers

This section focuses on PrEP access barriers experienced by immigrant and newcomer communities. By barriers, we mean things that might make PrEP access more challenging.

Knowledge

It is felt by some that many immigrants and newcomers are unaware of PrEP. For those who do know, there is a lack of clarity concerning PrEP insurance coverage options for immigrants and newcomers.

Language

PrEP resources are almost exclusively in English. This could act as a barrier to PrEP for immigrants and newcomers with limited English language ability.

Stigma

Some immigrants and newcomers are from countries with high HIV and sex-related stigma. They may assume the same of Canada, making them unlikely to speak with a provider about HIV, PrEP, or sexual health more broadly.

This section focuses on opportunities to enhance PrEP education and access for immigrant and newcomer communities. By opportunities, we mean things that would make access to PrEP and information about it easier or more accessible.

Spread it Out

While physical materials (i.e. brochures, posters) in healthcare settings can be an effective way to share PrEP information with people who access these spaces, not all immigrants and newcomers access these spaces. Resources should also be shared online and in spaces frequented by newcomers (i.e. churches, Alberta Works).

Leverage Community

Immigrant and newcomer led organizations and networks provide a valuable means through which to share PrEP information. Immigrants and newcomers are more likely to access these spaces, helping reach those who don’t access traditional health services. These stakeholders are also better equipped to overcome population specific barriers (i.e. language).

Translation

As mentioned earlier, a lack of English-language understanding is a significant barrier to PrEP knowledge for many immigrant and newcomer communities. PrEP resources should be translated into other languages commonly spoken in Alberta.

Accessible Language

It is unlikely that PrEP resources can be made available in all languages desired by immigrants and newcomers. Therefore, any resources in the English language should use simply language which can be understood by individuals with various levels of English knowledge.

Read the remaining sections of this report to learn more about the unique PrEP access barriers and opportunities experienced by other populations.