“PrEParing to Visit: HIV, Africa and the homeward traveller”—exploring HIV risks, testing and prevention among African community members in Australia A. Mullens1*, J. Debattista2, T. Phillips1Z. Gu3, F. Siggins3, J. Kelly4 1School of Psychology & Counselling, Institute for Resilient Regions, University of Southern Queensland, IPSWICH, Australia 2Metro North, Public Health Unit, Queensland Health, BRISBANE, Australia 3Ethnic Communities Council Queensland, BRISBANE, Australia 4School of Health & Wellbeing, University of Southern Queensland, IPSWICH, Australia Introduction: Significant health disparities persist regarding new and late diagnoses of HIV among sub-Saharan African community members (in Australia). This project identified perceptions regarding HIV prevention and transmission, and other contemporary HIV topics (e.g., PrEP, testing) among African community leaders and health workers; and identified culturally appropriate interventions to reduce HIV risk and enhance prevention. Methods: A community workshop was organised (in partnership with an ethnic community organisation), including 21 male and female adult members of key African community agencies, networks and stakeholders. The workshop was facilitated by cultural workers fand an experienced clinician/researcher. The forum included both small group and large group discussions regarding key topics, with responses to discussion questions transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was utilised to analyse key emerging themes related to HIV risks, prevention (including PrEP), testing and specific risks associated with travelled back to home countries for visits. Ethics approval was obtained. Results: Main themes included: impact of stigma on HIV prevention, myths/misconceptions regarding transmission, “conspiracy” beliefs, subgroups/contexts associated with greater risk, challenges and suggestions regarding future HIV prevention, and a wide range of strongly held personal, cultural and religious beliefs which influence current HIV health behaviours (testing, prevention). Participants also identified they believed it was the doctor’s role to suggest if/when a HIV test was needed. Conclusions: The workshop identified areas for future research and health reducing HIV-related stigma, and improving training among doctors (with higher African client caseloads) regarding current best practice HIV testing guidelines, risk reduction and prevention. CORRESPONDING AUTHOR: *amy.mullens@usq.edu.au<mailto:*amy.mullens@usq.edu.au>, USQ Word count: 246 Dr Amy Mullens MAPS Clinical & Health Psychologist Senior Lecturer School of Psychology & Counselling Faculty of Health, Engineering and Sciences University of Southern Queensland (Room B349) Ipswich, Qld 4305 Australia +61 7 3812 6153 Email: amy.mullens@usq.edu.au<mailto:amy.mullens@usq.edu.au> [http://www.usq.edu.au/extrafiles/marketing/logos/extras/USQ_Ver_3_FullCol.jpg]