OBJECTIVE: To identify the prevalence of HIV myths, risk perceptions, and risk behaviors among a predominantly immigrant sample of South Asian women residing in the US. METHOD: A community-based sample of South Asian women (N=160) involved with a male partner participated in a cross-sectional study of women’s health; only sexually active participants were included in these analyses (n=132). Participants were age 18-60 (mean age=31.5), predominantly foreign-born (88.6%), with a mean relationship length of 7.6 years. The majority were married (78.8%), and 71.9% reported a family income greater than $2100/month. In addition, 52.8% held a graduate degree, and an additional 16.0% were in college or a graduate program. RESULTS: Most participants (84.4) knew condoms helped protect against HIV. However, 19.8% thought diaphragms were effective protection; 21.4% believed AIDS was curable; and 34.9% believed you could contract HIV by blood donation. Despite low knowledge, 30.5% reported no interest in learning more about HIV. Although 46.0% felt that South Asian women like them were at risk for HIV, only 6% felt personally at risk. Half the sample (50.4%) never used condoms in the past 3 months; 22.8% used them inconsistently. CONCLUSION: Despite their recognition of HIV risk in the South Asian immigrant community, women in this sample appear to have little concern about their own risk. Further, knowledge was low among this highly educated sample, and risk behaviors were high. Programs increasing knowledge and awareness must be developed to better meet the needs of this under-recognized and growing population.
Learning Objectives: To identify the prevalence of HIV myths, risk perceptions, and risk behaviors among a predominantly immigrant sample of South Asian women residing in the US. To recognize the need for culturally-tailored HIV education services for South Asian immigrants
Keywords: HIV/AIDS, Asian and Pacific Islander Women
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.