Utilizing a Community Based Participatory Research (CBPR) Approach to Adapt a Community Readiness Model to Gauge Readiness for Inuit-Specific HIV/AIDS Intervention

There is a common misconception that HIV/AIDS is not a health concern in rural and northern Aboriginal communities (including Inuit communities), thus leading people to think they are not at risk. However, evidence suggests Inuit communities are not adequately captured in surveillance data on HIV, resulting in data not reflecting HIV infection rates within these regions. Given the elevated rates of other Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), unique sexual networks, high birth rates, limited testing, and stigma the risk of exposure to HIV among Inuit is high. Against this backdrop, there is little research to inform culturally relevant HIV prevention interventions with Inuit communities. The proposed doctoral research project aims to adapt a Community Readiness Model (CRM) to gauge community readiness for HIV prevention interventions. This project will work with Inuit communities from across the Arctic to formulate an Inuit-specific readiness tool for HIV/AIDS education, prevention and screening. The tool will identify stages of readiness which correspond to interventions that advance to higher levels of community readiness. It will enable Inuit communities to address HIV and other sexual health issues at a local level. Once adapted, the applicability and effectiveness of the CRM will be tested with select Inuit communities and the project Steering Committee. This research project will use Indigenous methodologies and community-based participatory research, to work in partnership with communities to create knowledge. This project will not only inform future interventions but will provide the communities with critical information in order to identify areas for capacity building for future community-engaged research. Ultimately, this project will provide valuable tools and knowledge for addressing sexual health and HIV that are relevant within individual community contexts, allowing communities to improve the health of Inuit now and for future generations.