A research question was posed to us by a local HIV-resource organization interested in exploring the educational and service needs of those unreached. In order to properly address this inquiry, we developed a community-based participatory research by training peer-led volunteers to facilitate focus-group discussions within Aboriginal and refugees participants following an interview guide. We gathered Aboriginal people and refugees separated into three focus groups each, enrolling a total of 41 self-identified HIV-positive, 38 males. The discussions were tape recorded upon consent and lasted between 59 and 118 minutes. We analyzed the thematic information collected interactively through constant comparison. The qualitative data leading to categories, codes, and themes formed the basis for the spatial representation of a conceptual mapping. Both groups shared similar struggles in living with HIV and in properly accessing local nonmedical HIV resources and discussed their concerns towards the need for empowerment and support to take control of their health. 1. HIV Resource Services and Marginalized Communities The available literature has been quite prolific on issues around the medical side of HIV, particularly the uptake of HIV antiretroviral therapy adherence, cost, availability, and side effects [1–4]. Very few have discussed access and use of nonmedical HIV resources services [5]. Vancouver, Canada, has experienced a decrease in new HIV diagnoses [6], while new HIV cases amongst Aboriginal peoples and other populations continue to rise [7, 8]. New immigrants and refugees from HIV-endemic countries add to this pool when arriving to Canada [9, 10]. The strategic plan of the BC Center for Excellence in HIV/AIDS (BC-CfE) and reports from the BC Center for Disease Control have highlighted that different HIV-marginalized population groups in Vancouver remain at risk for further health struggles and isolation unmitigated by stigma and fear [5, 9]. Our understanding of marginalised communities encompass those who are disadvantaged in terms of the structures and conditions that shape their lives, health outcomes, and social positions in society [11]. In order to utilize the full advantage of HIV/AIDS information including printed media, support groups, and drop-ins, these marginalised groups must be aware of the existence of these resource services. However, there seems to be a gap between the resources that are being offered and those accessing them [2, 12]. Based on the current trend of HIV infection identified in the BCCDC and BC-CfE reports, different HIV
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