The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #54798

Amy G. Lam, MA¹, Thida Tan², Sareen Leong³, and Amy K. Mak¹. (1) Department of Psychology, University of California, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, 530-752-3746, amy_lam@excite.com, (2) Department of Sociology, University of California, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, (3) Department of Psychology and Human and Community Development, University of California, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616

Resources devoted to research and practice concerning the sexual risk behaviors of Asian and Pacific Islander (API) communities are woefully inadequate (Aoki et al., 1989; Gock, 1994). The model minority myth may in part, be responsible, for the lack of attention to the API community. The model minority myth asserts that APIs encompass a minority population that is self-sufficient, successful, and in no need of assistance (Chen & Hawks, 1995). Past research has supported this assumption by labeling API young adults as “sexually conservative” (Baldwin, Whiteley, & Baldwin, 1992; Brown, 1992; Meston, Trapnell, & Gorzalka, 1996, 1998; Moore & Erikson, 1985). This study sought to challenge the model minority stereotype by examining potential risky sexual behaviors of Chinese, Filipina, and White American college women across four college campuses. Findings indicated differential patterns of sexual frequency, sexual partner characteristics, birth control use, condom use, and reasons for using condoms among these groups. In particular, Filipina Americans engaged in more risky sexual behaviors than Chinese Americans. Our study underscores the crucial need to conduct research on sexual risk and preventive behaviors in the API community. The study also highlights the importance of separating different API groups when conducting research and prevention work on the sexual health needs of APIs. Implications are made concerning how sexual health services should be augmented to meet the needs of different API communities.

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of the session, participants in this session will be able to:
• List three risky sexual behaviors among Asian Pacific Islander and White American college women;
• Identify ethnic differences on sexual risk behaviors;
• Recognize the importance of studying sexual risk behaviors among Asian Pacific Islander American women

Keywords: Asian and Pacific Islander Women, Sexual Risk Behavior

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.