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AN EXAMINATION OF PROTECTIVE FACTORS AGAINST HIV INFECTION AMONG ASIAN/PACIFIC ISLANDER MEN WHO HAVE SEX WITH MEN

Wei, Chongyi (2010) AN EXAMINATION OF PROTECTIVE FACTORS AGAINST HIV INFECTION AMONG ASIAN/PACIFIC ISLANDER MEN WHO HAVE SEX WITH MEN. Doctoral Dissertation, University of Pittsburgh. (Unpublished)

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Abstract

This dissertation project examined protective factors against HIV infection among API MSM. First, we evaluated the literature for scientific evidence that may explain the lower HIV prevalence among API MSM. Four of the ten hypotheses provided some partial explanations or needed further investigation: 1) API MSM's sexual networks may be primarily composed of MSM of low HIV risk profiles; 2) Prevalence of seroadaptive behaviors is higher among API MSM; 3) HIV-positive API MSM have better access to care and treatment; 4) Ethnic heritage acculturation may be protective. Second, we examined race and age mixings among API MSM. It appeared that overall patterns of race and age mixing among API MSM tended to be more assortative. API MSM were more likely to be partnered with other API men than expected and the age difference between API participants and their partners were narrower than that among other participants. In addition, young API MSM were more likely to be aware of their partners's HIV status as a majority of their partners were main partners. Finally, we found that prevalence of seroadaptive behaviors differed little by race/ethnicities, which does not point to seroadaptation as protecting API MSM against HIV infection. Of concern, the significantly lower prevalence of serodisclosure behaviors among API MSM did not appear to translate into lower levels of seroadaptation. Our findings have significant public health implications. First, more research on how structural factors affect HIV infections among MSM are needed. Second, the socio-cultural and structural contexts of partner selection need to be explored. Third, public health professionals should be aware of changing behaviors within MSM communities so that new and innovative interventions can be developed. Fourth, a strength-based approach to studying protective factors against HIV infection among API MSM is overdue. Qualitative studies are needed to develop some strength-based conceptual frameworks. Fifth, it seems that certain Asian/API cultural issues or values would be worth investigating. Lastly, while HIV prevalence remains low among API MSM, bio-behavioral surveillance should keep monitoring HIV incidence and risk behaviors among this population and culturally appropriate interventions should be delivered to them, before it is too late to intervene.


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Details

Item Type: University of Pittsburgh ETD
Status: Unpublished
Creators/Authors:
CreatorsEmailPitt UsernameORCID
Wei, Chongyichongyiwei@hotmail.com
ETD Committee:
TitleMemberEmail AddressPitt UsernameORCID
Committee ChairStall, Ronaldrstall@pitt.eduRSTALL
Committee MemberSilvestre, Anthony Jtonys@pitt.eduTONYS
Committee MemberFriedman, Mark Smsf11@pitt.eduMSF11
Committee MemberDocumet, Patricia Ipdocumet@pitt.eduPDOCUMET
Date: 27 January 2010
Date Type: Completion
Defense Date: 20 November 2009
Approval Date: 27 January 2010
Submission Date: 2 December 2009
Access Restriction: 5 year -- Restrict access to University of Pittsburgh for a period of 5 years.
Institution: University of Pittsburgh
Schools and Programs: School of Public Health > Behavioral and Community Health Sciences
Degree: DrPH - Doctor of Public Health
Thesis Type: Doctoral Dissertation
Refereed: Yes
Uncontrolled Keywords: Asian/Pacific Islander; HIV/AIDS; men who have sex with men; protective factors; seroadaptive behavior; sexual mixing
Other ID: http://etd.library.pitt.edu/ETD/available/etd-12022009-163722/, etd-12022009-163722
Date Deposited: 10 Nov 2011 20:07
Last Modified: 15 Nov 2016 13:52
URI: http://d-scholarship.pitt.edu/id/eprint/9965

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