The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #54428

Nigel M Thomas, student and Nigel M Thomas, student. School of Public Health, Columbia University, 2084 Bronx Park East, 4B, Bronx, NY 10462, 718-823-3862, nt170@columbia.edu

This paper examines the current health situation of the Jamaican Men Who Have Sex with Men (MSM) immigrant population. Jamaicans are among the ten largest immigrant groups in the United States. Homosexuality is highly stigmatized in Jamaica. Cole (1996) demonstrated that in populations where homosexuality is highly stigmatized, concealment of homosexual identity is correspondingly high and this is related to a significantly higher incidence of morbidity. Diaz et. al. (2000) found high prevalence rates of psychological symptoms of distress among Latino men who experience multiple stressors--poverty, racism and homophobia. In depth interviews with a community sample of Jamaican MSMs support both these findings. The scope of that inquiry ranges from a description of the experiences of gay men in Jamaica and an overview of Jamaican emigration since the Hart -Cellar Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 to an exploration of how homophobia and stigma contribute to health disparities among Jamaican MSMs living in the United States. The recommendations proposed by the Institute of Medicine (IOM) in its 2002 report on disparities in healthcare are inadequate to address the health needs of this population because those recommendations do not explicitly recognize the synergistic effect of racism and homophobia on Jamaican MSMs. More effective strategies include recognition of how multiple and diverse identities impact health as well as educational programs to address homophobia within the minority community itself.

Learning Objectives:

At the end of the session, participants will able to:
• Describe the Jamaican population in the United States and their unique health needs
• Recognize five indicators that put Jamaican MSM men at increased risk for poor mental health outcomes
• Evaluate strategies for reducing health disparities between groups

Keywords: Ethnic Minorities, Immigration

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.