Abstract
Objectives: In order to improve HIV/AIDS care and intervention programs at AIDS service organizations (ASOs), this study investigated the utilization of medical and social service programs and HIV-related risk behaviors in social and cultural contexts among Japanese nationals in the U.S., who were infected with HIV.
Methods: 25 Japanese nationals with HIV were recruited in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and New York City through Japanese counselors at ASOs. After obtaining informed consent, participants were interviewed in-person or by phone anonymously, using a semistructured qualitative questionnaire.
Results: Most participants had been provided with AIDS-related medical care (e.g., AIDS Drug Assistance Program) and other social services, even though they had neither U.S. citizenship nor permanent residency. Although they were satisfied with the services being provided, they expressed needs for psychological support. Eighty percent of the participants reported that they were infected with HIV through sexual contact from primary or casual partners. Sixty percent of the participants had had sex with casual partners in the previous year; however, two thirds of them did not reveal their HIV status to them. Most of the participants (83 percent) reported always using condoms with steady partners for anal sex, but less for oral sex (18 percent). Forty-four percent had had casual sex under the influence of alcohol or drugs. More than half of the participants expressed their concern about support systems, and prejudice and discrimination against people with HIV in Japan.
Conclusions: Japanese nationals with HIV in three major cities in the U.S. were satisfied with HIV/AIDS-related services; however, they reported needs for further psychological support. Future research should investigate social, cultural, and environmental contexts that facilitate safe sexual behaviors (e.g., condom use for oral sex) among Japanese nationals with HIV as well as other API immigrants with HIV in the U.S.
