TOPIC: Care & Services
OTHER KEYWORDS: Asians & Pacific Islander, Gay and Bisexual Men, Men who have Sex with Men, People Living with HIV/AIDS
TITLE: Perceptions of Parental Support by HIV Positive Asian and Pacific Islander American Gay Sons
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Kitano KJ. Perceptions of Parental Support by HIV Positive Asian and Pacific Islander American Gay Sons. J of Family Soc Work. 2000; 4(4): 45-60.
SUMMARY
This paper discusses issues on the disclosure of HIV status with Asians. The purpose of this article is to describe how Asian cultural values of harmony and avoidance of conflict affect the disclosure experiences of HIV-positive Asian American and immigrants. Effective practice guidelines have been developed based on this information. Based on in-depth interviews with 16 HIV-positive Asian men, three focal issues were identified that serve as barriers to disclosure to family members: protection of family from shame, protection of family from obligation to help, and avoidance of communication regarding highly personal information. Patients who are considering making a disclosure may need assistance with thinking through ways to provide HIV/AIDS education to those family members that have little knowledge in this area. This may include translating or locating informational brochures translated into the family's language.