Perspectives in Public Health
Volume 129, Issue 5, 2009, Pages 228-233

Sociocultural dimensions of HIV/AIDS among Middle Eastern immigrants in the US: Bridging culture with HIV/AIDS programmes (Article)

Ehsanzadeh-Cheemeh P.* , Sadeque A. , Grimes R.M. , Essien E.J.
  • a Institute of Community Health, College of Pharmacy, University of Houston, 1441 Moursund Street, Houston, TX 77030, United States
  • b The University of Texas - Health Science Center at Houston, Medical School, Houston, TX, United States
  • c The University of Texas - Health Science Center at Houston, Medical School, Houston, TX, United States
  • d Institute of Community Health, College of Pharmacy, University of Houston, 1441 Moursund Street, Houston, TX 77030, United States

Abstract

The population of Middle Eastern immigrants in the US has been increasing dramatically over the past 30 years, growing from 200,000 in 1970 to 1.5 million in 2000. These immigrants and their descendants constitute an important new population of interest for public health and other social programmes. With this addition to the cultural diversity of American society, it is important for healthcare programmes to be responsive to the unique cultural needs of those of Middle Eastern origin and to include them in healthcare curricula. This need is particularly imperative for human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) intervention programmes, where the reduction of risky behaviours is essential to controlling the epidemic. When Middle Easterners emigrate to the US they must adjust to the American culture, which leads to preservation of some aspects of their culture and adjustment of behaviors to match American customs. This article aims to present sociocultural factors of HIV risk behaviours that are specific to Middle Eastern culture. The article also provides recommendations for HIV/AIDS-culturally appropriate intervention programmes. © Royal Society for Public Health 2009.

Author Keywords

immigrants Middle Easterners Health disparity HIV risk factors sociocultural factors

Index Keywords

immigrant HIV Infections health promotion Human immunodeficiency virus infection sexual behavior human Middle East condom Condoms Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Cultural Competency sexual transmission United States health program Humans homosexuality Socioeconomic Factors risk factor cultural factor Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice Article disease transmission Substance Abuse, Intravenous intervention study Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical abortion Sociology, Medical social class acquired immune deficiency syndrome
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-70349182496&doi=10.1177%2f1466424008094807&partnerID=40&md5=ab0d88a9a58fadea4a0abe6aca72c454
DOI: 10.1177/1466424008094807
ISSN: 17579139
Cited by: 6
Original Language: English