Access to HIV Services for Mobile and Migrant Populations in Antigua

To know
To improve services for this core group going forward.
Establish Group Rules
Ryando explained that the group was for everyone to give their input and that everyone
needed to make their voices heard. He stated that he was there as a guide. Some of the
rules of the group discussion included:
a. Confidentiality – what was discussed should not be disclosed to other parties,
especially if someone gave direct quotes or shared their personal experiences.
b. No cross talking – it is easier to listen if only one person at a time speaks.
c. Respect every person’s views – even if opinions are different, we still have to
listen to each other and agree to disagree if necessary.
d. Be open so we can learn from each other – the more information is shared, the
better we understand what the problems are being faced and the more likely we
are to find solutions.
Methodology
Recruitment criteria: Participants were chosen by 3H worker Ryando Anderson and the
names were approved by the principal investigator/consultant and 3H program manager,
Pastor Karen Brotherson. The participants were all self-identified men who have sex with
men (MSM) and they were all born outside of Antigua. With the exception of one person,
they others had only been living in Antigua for three years and less. One of the persons
was known to be HIV positive.
Geographic location: The participants lived all over Antigua. The session was conducted
at the Ramco Building on Independence Avenue in St. John’s.
Timing: The MSM focus group was scheduled for two hours but went from 10:20 am to
12:30 pm.
At the end of the session each participant received the amount of EC$ 40
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