HIV related knowledge and risk behaviors of US Burmese refugees

Background: HIV is a documented issue for persons from Burma. While research exists for those living just outside of Burma, little is known about HIV knowledge and risk behaviors for US Burmese refugees who have begun the acculturation process. This exploratory study investigates HIV-related knowledge and risk behaviors of Burmese refugees in Fort Wayne, Indiana, where more than 5,000 Burmese refugees are living.

Methods: A paper and pencil survey was developed in conjunction with Burmese social leaders and based on CDC measures of HIV knowledge and behavioral measures used in similar populations living on the Thai-Burma border. Convenience sampling was used to collect data from 120 Burmese adults. Descriptive statistics, chi-square, and ANOVA analyses were conducted.

Results: A majority of the participants (54%, n = 65) reported that they had had sexual intercourse with only one person in their lifetime. Younger Burmese refugees (25-34 year olds) had significantly higher HIV knowledge scores (M = 57.7143,) than 35-45 year olds (M = 53.8108, p <0.05). Participants who identified as single reported using condoms in the past 30 days more frequently than participants who reported being partnered, divorced, or widowed did, ÷2 (4, N = 116) = 57.184, p < 0.01.

Conclusions: Health promotion programs targeting Burmese refugees might consider focusing on older unmarried, divorced or widowed adults who are more likely to have more sexual partners and have lower knowledge scores. Programs targeting adolescents might take an approach that builds upon Burmese values which may limit the number of sexual partners.