221121 Factors associated that affect HIV/AIDS sexual risk behaviors and HIV testing among Asian and Pacific Islander (API) Women

Sunday, November 7, 2010

Margaret Salud, MPH, DrPH , Department of Health Promotion and Education, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA
Susanne Montgomery, PhD , School of Public Health, Dept. Health Promotion & Ed, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA
Helen Hopp-Marshak, PhD , Department of Health Promotion and Education, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA
Rodger L. Beatty, PhD LSW , Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
Sexually transmitted infections, including HIV and AIDS are a growing threat to women in the US. While overall HIV/AIDS rates in the API community remain low, little is known about the HIV/AIDS behavioral risks, testing behaviors and sexual decision making in the different API subgroups. There is a perception that HIV/AIDS is somewhat of a non-issue in the API heterosexual community and cultural stigmas around AIDS related to the traditional high risk groups have hindered HIV prevention efforts. Concentrating on Filipino women we reviewed the literature and subsequently conducted theory-based (acculturation, theory of gender and power, AIDS Risk Reduction Model) semi-structured interviews, and confirmatory focus groups. Data were coded, themed and analyzed using Grounded Theory Methods. Results indicate API cultural beliefs are quite important and conservative among the women we interviewed regardless of how acculturated they were. We found high levels of knowledge about HIV/AIDS and women reported being attitudinally influenced to traditional patterns and expectations. However, despite their knowledge could easily be persuaded to not use condom due to perceived lack of power and control over the relationships. Condom possession is considered taboo due to stigma and fear of being labeled as promiscuous. Cultural barriers, within the API community, discourage open expressions of sexuality which is necessary for HIV-related interpersonal communication. Findings from this study will contribute to the limited literature on HIV/AIDS in API women and provide information that can be used for developing and implementing culturally appropriate programs that promote HIV prevention and testing.

Learning Areas:
Assessment of individual and community needs for health education
Diversity and culture
Implementation of health education strategies, interventions and programs
Planning of health education strategies, interventions, and programs
Public health or related education
Public health or related research

Learning Objectives:
1. Identify 3 dilemmas API women face when confronting HIV/AIDS prevention. 2. Identify 3 API cultural barriers to HIV/AIDS testing. 3. Identify what response one might use to help address the disconnect between high levels of knowledge and subsequent behavioral intentions.

Keywords: Asian and Pacific Islander Women, HIV/AIDS

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am qualified to present because I conducted the study with the guidance of a faculty member in completion of my doctoral degree at Loma Linda University
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.