Cognitive referents of the acculturation process (e.g., familism and personalismo) have been established for ‘normal’ populations of Mexican Americans. However, there is a dearth of information on similar cognitive referents among Mexican American drug injectors (Tecatos), especially those referents that can assist in motivating a reduction in HIV risk behaviors. This study examines the relationship between acculturation level, acculturation dimensions (ethnic identity, language use, and nativity), measures of Hispanic cultural concepts (familism, religiosity, and traditionalism) and ‘Tecato’ subcultural concepts (machismo and respeto within the Mexican American drug injecting subculture). Results obtained show that acculturation level and acculturation domains have both positive and negative correlations with specific Hispanic cultural and ‘Tecato’ subcultural concepts. The findings suggest that measures inclusive of cultural and subcultural concepts are needed in order to focus culturally competent HIV/AIDS interventions for Hispanic drug injectors. Attendees will be able to articulate dimensions of cultural and subcultural concepts that could be used in HIV risk reduction with Hispanic IDUs.
Learning Objectives: Attendees will be able to articulate dimensions of cultural and subcultural concepts that could be used in HIV risk reduction with Hispanic IDUs
Keywords: Culture, Drug Injectors
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.