Journal of the International Association of Physicians in AIDS Care
Volume 10, Issue 5, 2011, Pages 326-332

Substance abuse, acculturation, and HIV risk among caribbean-born immigrants in the United States (Article) (Open Access)

Saint-Jean G.* , Dévieux J. , Malow R. , Tammara H. , Carney K.
  • a Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, 1120 NW 14th Street, Miami, FL 33136, United States
  • b Florida International University, Stempel School of Public Health, Miami, FL, United States
  • c Florida International University, Stempel School of Public Health, Miami, FL, United States
  • d Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, 1120 NW 14th Street, Miami, FL 33136, United States
  • e Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, 1120 NW 14th Street, Miami, FL 33136, United States

Abstract

US immigrants of Caribbean origin are overrepresented in the HIV/AIDS prevalence statistics. Bidirectional travel between the United States and the Caribbean region by providing opportunities for sexual mixing may contribute to these high HIV rates. Caribbean immigrants face further risk because of limited health care access, social isolation, and stigma. Additionally, although substance abuse may not represent a major health issue in their countries of origin, Caribbean immigrants are composed disproportionately of adolescents who are at greatest risk of substance abuse. There is little information on the health care characteristics of these migrants, especially regarding HIV care. This article describes how the social and economic circumstances that surround the lives of people from the Caribbean and the challenges of the acculturation process have placed these individuals at risk of substance abuse and HIV infection. The article draws on findings from the literature and analysis of data from several sources. © SAGE Publications 2011.

Author Keywords

HIV/AIDS access to health care Caribbean immigrants Substance abuse

Index Keywords

immigrant HIV Infections Human immunodeficiency virus infection human social isolation priority journal Substance-Related Disorders substance abuse Central America United States Humans migrant Emigrants and Immigrants Acculturation risk factor Risk Factors socioeconomics cultural factor Caribbean Region Caribbean Article infection risk health care access addiction acquired immune deficiency syndrome
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-81755162099&doi=10.1177%2f1545109711401749&partnerID=40&md5=b4a1772331d55f80bd874b4154793352
DOI: 10.1177/1545109711401749
ISSN: 15451097
Cited by: 11
Original Language: English