TOPIC: General
OTHER KEYWORDS: Asians & Pacific Islanders
TITLE: HIV/AIDS and the Asian and Pacific Islander Community
BILBIOGRAPHY
Lee DA, Fong K. HIV/AIDS and the Asian and Pacific Islander Community. SIECUS Report. 1990;16-22.
SUMMARY
This report discusses the makeup of a culturally diverse Asian and Pacific Islander population, the "model minority" myth, and denials that the Asian and Pacific Islander communities face against HIV/ AIDS. The Asian and Pacific Islander culture has four basic similarities: family and communities are a vital part of individual lifestyle, sexual discussions are taboo, homosexuality is not accepted, and discussion of illness or death are generally forbidden. Underreporting and misevaluation of studies are some of the factors leading to the lack of awareness of HIV/AIDS affecting the Asian and Pacific Islander population. Recommendations are made for HIV/AIDS informational and educational outreach, and role of the media to be more culturally competent in serving populations in need for multilingual/multicultural services.