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

Abstract #63734

Chwee Lye Chng, PhD¹, Frank Y. Wong, PhD², Royce J. Park, M PH², Mark C. Edberg, PhD³, and David Lai, PhD⁴. (1) Kinesiology, Health Promotion and Recreation, University of North Texas, P.O. Box 311337, Denton, TEXAS, TX 76203-1337, 940-565-2651, Chng@coefs.coe.unt.edu, (2) The George Washington University, School of Public Health and Health Services, 2021 K Street, NW, Suite 800, Washington, DC 20006, (3) Development Services Group, Inc, 7315 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 700-E, Bethesda, MD 20814, (4) Psychologist Inc., 12345, Main Street, San Francisco, CA 76201

More than half of Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI)men having sex with men (MSM) with AIDS are born overseas, suggesting that cultural experiences of an immigrant may have had an effect on their risk taking behavior. We will present a model to understand the sexual health among AAPI MSM which first locates the dynamic process in the home country with its prevailing cultural norms that affect risk taking behaviors. Secondly, we will highlight how these norms are modified by migration-immigration experiences. Finally, we will illustrate how these beliefs, norms and practices are affected by the interactive effect of acculturation as these men adjust to their new life in the U.S. Using the Fung taxonomy, we will discuss how HIV impacts first the AAPI-affiliated and gay-identified men; then the gay identified men who do not affiliate with the AAPI communities; and finally, the AAPI affiliated men who are not gay-identified. Implications for HIV prevention and services to AAPI MSM using this model will be discussed.

Learning Objectives:

At the end of the session, the participant should be able to:
• Describe the model for sexual health of Asian-Pacific Islander Men who have sex with men
• Discuss how home country cultural behavior patterns can impact sexual behavior in the U.S. among Asian-Pacific Islander men who have sex with men
• Explain how the migration experience can influence sexual risk taking among these men in the U.S.

Keywords: Asian and Pacific Islander, HMOs

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.