HIV Knowledge, Risk Behavior, Stigma, and their Impact on HIV testing among Asian American and Pacific Islanders

Abstract

Asian American and Pacific Islanders(AAPIs) are the fastest growing population in the United States with documented increases in HIV rates. AAPIs areas likely as other racial/ethnic groups to engage in HIV-related risk behaviors, while being concomitantly less likely to have been HIV tested. Testing is acritical step in HIV prevention. Research points to various barriers to HIV-related testing including HIV knowledge and attitude and stigma. However, these factors and their impact among AAPIs are poorly understood. Myths about this population’s “model minority” status compound AAPIs’ sociocultural factors including English language proficiency, access to healthcare, and a culture of “silence” that negatively influences HIV-related research. In this article, the authors review the scientific literature on knowledge, risk behavior, and stigma to document the current state of research. Based on the review the authors offer a set of research, policy, and practice recommendations for social workers and other service providers working with AAPIs.