Event Title
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.
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
