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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Recorded presentation

Kanae Hayashi, MPH¹, Tuyen Tran, BS¹, Sara Hodges, BS¹, Amy M. Kobus, PhD¹, and Jennifer Kue, MA². (1) Asian Family Center, Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization, 4424 NE Glisan St, Portland, OR 97213, 503-235-9396, kanae.hayashi@gmail.com, (2) Department of Public Health/PhD Candidate, Oregon State University, 256 Waldo, Corvallis, OR 97331-5109

BACKGROUND: The Asian and Pacific Islander (API) population has one of the fastest growing rates of HIV infection. The incidence of AIDS is also increasing rapidly among API women. The implementation of a culturally sensitive and linguistically appropriate HIV/AIDS prevention program for API women is critical to combat HIV/AIDS. A community assessment was conducted among Oregon's API women to evaluate risky behaviors and barriers to HIV/AIDS. METHODS: We conducted three focus groups in Vietnamese with intergenerational twenty-three Vietnamese women (daughter, mother, grandmother), ages 24 to 67(mean 38.5). Focus group questions were based on the Health Belief Model and program development needs. RESULTS: Unprotected and/or forced sex with male partner, lack of control over own sexual health, and phenomenon of male partners going back to Vietnam and possibly engaging in unfaithful sexual behaviors were identified as risky behaviors. Lack of education and resources, misconception of HIV transmission, and stigma were cited as factors contributing to those risky behaviors. Recommendations for developing a culturally and linguistically appropriate program includes: male partner's involvement, comprehensive program with general, sexual, and women's health information, and providing information in native language. CONCLUSION: Study revealed Vietnamese women's concerns and needs in HIV/AIDS prevention, using a holistic, intergenerational approach. Most women were aware of HIV/AIDS. There was significant misunderstanding of HIV transmission and prevention. This study also identified the needs of empowering Vietnamese women in talking about sexual health with family members. Research findings were utilized in developing a skill-focused HIV prevention program for intergenerational Vietnamese women.

Learning Objectives: By participating in the session, the learners in the session will be able to

• Identify unique sexually risky behaviors and barriers to HIV/AIDS prevention specific to API women
• Apply an intergenerational research methodology to conduct community needs assessment in HIV/AIDS prevention efforts
• Develop innovative strategies for program development and implementation for intergenerational API women.

Keywords: Asian and Pacific Islander Women, HIV/AIDS

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No

Recorded presentation