Examining the role of HIV related stigma on HIV testing behaviors among Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders

Background: Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) are the only racial group with a significant increase in HIV rates in the U.S. AAPI also delay HIV testing due to stigma. However, how AAPI communities succumb to or overcome HIV-related stigma is poorly understood. Hence, this study examines how HIV-related stigma impacts HIV testing among AAPI.

Methods: Seventy-five at-risk AAPI completed quantitative instruments in English/Vietnamese. A subgroup of 10 participants was randomly selected for the interviews.

Results: The sample consisted: 89% AA, 11% PI; 43% LGBTQ; mean age of 25 years; 59% male; and 36% foreign-born. Most (71%) reported having past year HIV-related risky behavior, but 45% did not get tested. Also, 55% said they would rather not touch someone with HIV because they are scared of infection, 21% agreed at some level that homosexuality is the cause of HIV, 58% had some level of fear of sharing a drinking glass with and 48% reported some level of fear of caring for an HIV positive individual. There is a culture of silence in the families regarding HIV/sexual behaviors, AAPI youth learning HIV and sex-related topics outside of home environments, perceived HIV stigmas and stereotypes, and different perceived risks between younger and older AAPI generations.

Conclusions: These findings provide some understanding of HIV test-taking barriers among AAPI. It is imperative to understand the decision making process (i.e. role of stigma) about test-taking behaviors in order to address the increased trend of the HIV rate among AAPI and develop culturally appropriate intervention strategies.