We explore the risks reported to picuriste (injectionist) use in a non-probability sample of Haitian immigrant residents of Miami-Dade, Florida, using a mixed method approach. Picuristes typically have no formal medical training, and may use non-sterile needles. Face to face semi-structured interviews were conducted of picuristes (n = 10) and picuriste users (n = 25). We sought to corroborate the qualitative findings by fielding a survey based on the interviews in a community-based sample of 205 Haitian immigrants. The findings from the interviews indicate picuriste injections do not adhere 100% to established standards for safe injections, and may pose health risks that are similar to those that exist for injection drug users. Yet, of the survey respondents (n = 205), 17.6% reported obtaining picuriste injections. Our findings shed light on a normally hidden cultural health behavior, enhancing our understanding of picuriste practice and use among Haitian immigrant residents of Miami-Dade County, Florida. We suggest that medical care must be delivered in a culturally competent, culturally sensitive manner, with open dialogue between physician and patient regarding health beliefs and practices.

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HIV Infections Human immunodeficiency virus infection risk human middle aged Injections Cultural Competency ethnology cultural competence Haiti United States Florida Humans Adolescent traditional medicine male Emigrants and Immigrants Medicine, Traditional female safety injection Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice Article disease transmission infection control adult migration Utilization Review attitude to health