What Are Asian and Pacific Islander HIV Prevention Needs?

Abstract:
This fact sheet begins by estimating that by the year 2020, more than 12 million Asians and Pacific Islanders (A&PIs) will live in the U.S. Although the number of reported AIDS cases among A&PIs remains small, underreporting and a lack of detailed HIV surveillance about A&PIs may mask the true nature of the epidemic. A&PIs are extremely diverse, comprising more than 40 different nationalities. Because of the rapidly increasing size and differences within A&PI communities, there is still little data on health status and behavioral risks. In addition, there are cultural, linguistic, economic, and legal barriers to HIV prevention among A&PIs. The fact sheet advises that HIV prevention among A&PIs be prioritized in areas with higher incidence of HIV/AIDS cases among A&PIs, such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York City, and Hawaii. However, in other areas, it is still important for community planning groups and health departments to collect data about the unmet needs of A&PI communities for HIV prevention. Rapidly growing and diverse A&PI communities need comprehensive HIV/AIDS-related surveillance data, including data disaggregated by A&PI national origin and ethnicity. More research on the cultural protective factors and cultural barriers to effective HIV prevention among A&PIs is also needed.

Author(s): BAU, Ignatius; and DeCARLO, Pamela


Date Published: 4/1/1998

Pages: 2

Comments:
For additional copies, call the National AIDS Clearinghouse at 800-458-5231 or visit the CAPS Internet site or HIV InSite at the addresses above. Fact sheets also available in Spanish.

Location Code: 6288