Sexual Practices of San Francisco Bay Area Asian & Pacific Islander Young Adults: Who is at Risk?

Background

HIV prevention research on Asian and Pacific Islander (A&PI) young adults is limited, however, 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. Additionally, preliminary data of A&PI young adults from varying sexual orientations revealed low HIV testing numbers. Such factors warrant the need for further inquiry about sexual health practices and perception of risk.

 

Methods

Using snowball and convenience sampling, 466 A&PI  aged 18 to 29 residing in four SF Bay Area counties completed a risk behavior screening survey targeting at risk A&PI young adults from two public universities, community, and club events. Chi-square statistics were used to determine associations between ethnicity, gender, HIV testing, protected sexual behaviors within sexual orientation.

Results

93% of the sample indicated not having participated in a HIV program. 43% of respondents indicating ever being test for HIV with only 68% having gotten tested in the last 6 months. In assessing sexual practices of A&PI young adults, 41% of heterosexual male participants and 50% of heterosexual female participants reported not using protection during vaginal intercourse. It is also significant that heterosexual male participants are less likely to get a HIV test (p= 0.00).

 

Discussion

A high percentage of respondents reported not participating in a HIV program in the last year coupled with a low HIV testing rate in the last 6 months indicate that our study sample is engaging in sexual practices with limited knowledge of sexual health risk or resources.