ABSTRACT TEXT PURPOSE: Traditionally, Asian and Pacific Islander (API) Americans are not viewed as being at “risk” for HIV, as a result, few groups target APIs for HIV/AIDS services. The rate of infection among the group is increasing and there is a greater need for culturally competent approach for APIs to access HIV counseling and testing services. METHODS: By outreaching through various venues such at API ethnic festivals, gay parties, CBOs, and clinics, Asian Pacific Health Care Venture, Inc. provided HIV testing to over 500 APIs in Los Angeles County and behavioral risks for HIV were also collected. RESULTS Experience from the intervention found that services need to be culturally competent, linguistically appropriate, and community centered. Prevention planning often categorizes only certain people and behaviors as "high risk," which often fails to detect the API population, a non-traditional population at risk for HIV in the United States, whose HIV seropositive numbers are increasing. Lack of adequate and culturally competent HIV testing services indicates that APIs do not seek services unless the program is culturally competent and linguistically appropriate. Using the California State risk assessment form often overlooks many APIs who maybe at risk, such as recent immigrant monogamous females, and ineffect puts them in a low risk category. CONCLUSIONS: Providing culturally competent, linguistically, appropriate, and community centered access to HIV counseling and testing services for APIs is essential in eliminating health disparities and creating venues of access to other health related services.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant in this session will be able to: 1) List 4 barriers for APIs to access HIV counseling and testing services. 2) Describe some factors to consider when developing an HIV counseling and testing program for APIs. 3) Describe how HIV counseling and testing can a venue for further access to health related services
Keywords: Asian and Pacific Islander, HIV Interventions
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.