Sexual health norms, barriers, and attitudes among Asian and Pacific Islander young adults in SF bay area

Background:HIV prevention research on Asian and Pacific Islander (A&PI) young adults in the United States is limited, however, local San Francisco (SF) Bay Area data indicates that new HIV infection rates among the local A&PI population is eight times higher than the national rate. Low perceptions of risk coupled with high rates of risky behaviors among A&PI young adults is exemplified by low HIV testing rates, 65% for those ages 18-24. This demonstrates the need to understand sexual health norms, risk, and attitudes in this population.Purpose:Focus groups were conducted to understand and identify sexual health norms, barriers, and attitudes among A&PI young adults in the SF Bay Area.Methods:Eight focus groups (FGs) were conducted with individuals from SF Bay Area counties. Criteria for the FG were: A&PI, ages of 18-29, and residing in the SF Bay Area with interest in recreational substance users, men-who-have-sex-with-men (MSM), and local university students. Program staff facilitated FGs, and organized, coded, and analyzed results with Saturate.Results:Our findings suggest that although participants have a positive association with messaging around condom use and are empowered to carry condoms, condom use is inconsistent due to influence of alcohol and other drugs especially for brief sexual encounters and long-term relationships. Findings also suggest stigma is a strong barrier to HIV/STI testing, along with physician bias for treating heterosexual patients and inconsistent relationships with multiple healthcare providers.Conclusion:Identified themes relevant to A&PI young adults in regard to sexual health norms, risk, and attitudes informed development and implementation of culturally competent prevention education.