AIDS is Left in Africa: HIV/AIDS Behavioral Risk Factors Among Ethiopian and Eritrean Refugees Living in Minnesota

Location

CSU 204

Start Date

5-4-2010 10:00 AM

End Date

5-4-2010 12:00 PM

Student's Major

Gender and Women's Studies

Student's College

Social and Behavioral Sciences

Mentor's Name

Jackie Vieceli

Mentor's Department

Government

Mentor's College

Social and Behavioral Sciences

Second Mentor's Name

Helen Crump

Second Mentor's Department

Gender and Women's Studies

Second Mentor's College

Social and Behavioral Sciences

Description

In the United States certain standards are in place to cater to the needs of the average individual. However, HIV/AIDS prevention and care needs of culturally diverse populations, particularly in African immigrant communities, have not been up to those standards. The numerical gap of infection that exists between Ethiopian and Eritrean refugees and other groups is further widened by social and cultural specific factors; some unique while others are highly prevalent in these communities in comparison to others. This feminist based research examined the factors that impede understanding of the gravity of HIV/AIDS transmission and investigated available methods of spreading awareness and prevention education. Social and contextual influences on HIV were considered and risk vulnerability in these groups was discussed with an emphasis on individual perspectives of gender roles conducted through in-depth interviews and surveys. The study found that these communities disregard the seriousness of the HIV epidemic and have a false sense of belief that AIDS has been left behind in Africa. The lack of information, self-empowerment and control in sexual relationships also puts women at a greater risk for contracting the disease. Empowering women and extending the care needs of the communities through education is imperative if the gap is to be bridged and infection rates reduced.

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Apr 5th, 10:00 AM Apr 5th, 12:00 PM

AIDS is Left in Africa: HIV/AIDS Behavioral Risk Factors Among Ethiopian and Eritrean Refugees Living in Minnesota

CSU 204

In the United States certain standards are in place to cater to the needs of the average individual. However, HIV/AIDS prevention and care needs of culturally diverse populations, particularly in African immigrant communities, have not been up to those standards. The numerical gap of infection that exists between Ethiopian and Eritrean refugees and other groups is further widened by social and cultural specific factors; some unique while others are highly prevalent in these communities in comparison to others. This feminist based research examined the factors that impede understanding of the gravity of HIV/AIDS transmission and investigated available methods of spreading awareness and prevention education. Social and contextual influences on HIV were considered and risk vulnerability in these groups was discussed with an emphasis on individual perspectives of gender roles conducted through in-depth interviews and surveys. The study found that these communities disregard the seriousness of the HIV epidemic and have a false sense of belief that AIDS has been left behind in Africa. The lack of information, self-empowerment and control in sexual relationships also puts women at a greater risk for contracting the disease. Empowering women and extending the care needs of the communities through education is imperative if the gap is to be bridged and infection rates reduced.

Recommended Citation

Semahge, Betlehem A.. "AIDS is Left in Africa: HIV/AIDS Behavioral Risk Factors Among Ethiopian and Eritrean Refugees Living in Minnesota." Undergraduate Research Symposium, Mankato, MN, April 5, 2010.
https://cornerstone.lib.mnsu.edu/urs/2010/oral-session-04/4