HiFi Lab develops and tests culturally-responsible intervention strategies that can be integrated and targeted to address determinants of HIV infection among African and African diaspora communities. Our research projects employ a range of research traditions, designs and methods including randomized controlled trials, structural equation modeling, ethnography and systematic reviews.
Given that ACB communities living with HIV are often over-researched with very little perceptible benefit towards the community, boundaries and guidelines are required when researching this heavily marginalized community. A stakeholder group will be convening from March to June 2021 to offer feedback and concerns regarding the conduct of HIV research in ACB communities in Ontario as well as facilitating community- and research institution-engagement in the vetting, finalization and dissemination of the ethical guidance document.
This community ethics guidance document will serve as a gold standard when considering, conducting or participating in research with or as part of this heavily marginalized community. The document will be a publicly available resource of equity-principled practices that should be adhered to by individuals or organizations seeking to conduct HIV-related research with ACB communities.