HIV/AIDS knowledge, beliefs, and at-risk behaviors in the Chinese American community

Examination of epidemiological patterns suggests that the number of AIDS cases among Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders is increasing at a significant rate. In this paper the authors report the results of an AIDS needs assessment study conducted in a Chinese American community of a major U.S. metropolitan region. Seven hundred and nine Chinese American respondents completed questionnaires assessing differences in HIV/AIDS related knowledge and attitudes between English-speaking and Chinese-speaking groups. There were negligible differences between groups regarding their knowledge of HIV transmission. However, the Chinese-speaking respondents did not perceive HIV/AIDS as a serious health concern in their community, where as their English-speaking counterparts did acknowledge the threat of this disease. Study results suggest the need for HIV/AIDS education and prevention material that is culturally specific and will facilitate communication within the Chinese American community.