TY - JOUR
T1 - American Indian gay, bisexual and two-spirit men
T2 - A rapid assessment of HIV/AIDS risk factors, barriers to prevention and culturally-sensitive intervention
AU - Burks, Derek J.
AU - Robbins, Rockey
AU - Durtschi, Jayson P.
N1 - Funding Information:
This research was supported by a grant from the US Department of Health and Human Services in partnership with the Office of Minority Health. The study would not have been possible without the significant contributions of many individuals. The following field team investigators provided dedication, enthusiasm and commendable work: Victor Cutnose, Rex McLauchlan, Rayford Gray and Jay Ellis. Additionally, the Community Working Group was invaluable in advocating for and overseeing the entire project: Don Little (Western Oklahoma Native American AIDS Task Force, and Oklahoma County RARE Liaison), Sally Bouse-Pittser (Oklahoma State Department of Health [OSDH]), Carolyn Harris (Oklahoma City County Health Department), Mike Henson (Association of American Indian Physicians [AAIP]), K. Denise Smith (Lawton Indian Hospital), Linda Thomas (OSDH), and Gloria Zuniga (AAIP). The authors would also like to acknowledge the contributions of Dennis Manuelito (National Native American AIDS Prevention Centre), Salvador Vidal-Ortiz (RARE Consultant and Trainer), Sunshine Schilling and Phillip Roulain (The Centre); Heidi Ruster, Lee Curley and Terrainia Harris (CarePoint); Melanie Spector, Aisha Shah and Nicole Diehl (OSDH); Rachel Morse, David Odle and Gaila Smalley (Oklahoma Department of Human Services) and Traci Hill, Sean Winders, Jodi Washburn and Christopher Balderas (Red Rock Behavioural Health).
PY - 2011/3
Y1 - 2011/3
N2 - Epidemiological data indicate that HIV and AIDS are disproportionately affecting American Indians. Specific to American Indian men identifying as gay, bisexual, twospirit or who have same-sex experiences, this study assessed HIV-risk behaviours and barriers to testing, prevention and treatment efforts. A rapid assessment model was utilised as an indigenous-supporting research design. Rigour and thoroughness were achieved via multiple validation procedures. Central themes surrounding barriers to HIV prevention included social discrimination, low self-esteem and substance use. Findings suggest the underutilisation of condoms due to ineffective placement and limited availability in popular locations among gay, bisexual and two-spirit individuals. Participants indicated that HIV testing is occurring less frequently and that testing was not available after hours or weekends. Barriers to treatment included a mistrust of the current healthcare system, a perceived lack of support from the Indian Health Service for AIDS care and a lack of transportation to healthcare appointments. Lastly, participants discussed and supported culturally-sensitive treatment services. This study calls attention to the value of an American Indian-specific HIV/AIDS service organisation, the presence of indigenous service providers in the community and culturally-sensitive healthcare providers.
AB - Epidemiological data indicate that HIV and AIDS are disproportionately affecting American Indians. Specific to American Indian men identifying as gay, bisexual, twospirit or who have same-sex experiences, this study assessed HIV-risk behaviours and barriers to testing, prevention and treatment efforts. A rapid assessment model was utilised as an indigenous-supporting research design. Rigour and thoroughness were achieved via multiple validation procedures. Central themes surrounding barriers to HIV prevention included social discrimination, low self-esteem and substance use. Findings suggest the underutilisation of condoms due to ineffective placement and limited availability in popular locations among gay, bisexual and two-spirit individuals. Participants indicated that HIV testing is occurring less frequently and that testing was not available after hours or weekends. Barriers to treatment included a mistrust of the current healthcare system, a perceived lack of support from the Indian Health Service for AIDS care and a lack of transportation to healthcare appointments. Lastly, participants discussed and supported culturally-sensitive treatment services. This study calls attention to the value of an American Indian-specific HIV/AIDS service organisation, the presence of indigenous service providers in the community and culturally-sensitive healthcare providers.
KW - American Indian
KW - Gay
KW - HIV/AIDS
KW - Rapid assessment
KW - Two-spirit
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U2 - 10.1080/13691058.2010.525666
DO - 10.1080/13691058.2010.525666
M3 - Article
C2 - 21049311
AN - SCOPUS:79251625796
SN - 1369-1058
VL - 13
SP - 283
EP - 298
JO - Culture, Health and Sexuality
JF - Culture, Health and Sexuality
IS - 3
ER -