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Abstract:
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There is an extensive body of behavioral and scientific research devoted to HIV/AIDS
among Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities with a specific focus on men
who have sex with men (MSM). There is also a decent body of psychosocial literature devoted to
Interracial Dating and Attitudes in MSM. There are very few investigations that have begun to
bridge these two concepts and critically address how social, psychological, and behavioral
factors contribute to the risk associated with what is posited as the next wave of the HIV/AIDS
epidemic. Little is known about how attitudes of AAPI MSM affect their decision to engage in
HIV risk behaviors and substance use. These behaviors and practices, also have correlations with
the depressive symptoms exhibited in this population, the majority of which are foreign born.
From a three-ring impact domain perspective, this study serves to understand the complexities of
the AAPI MSM atmosphere. Dating preference scales (i.e. preferring Asian partners versus non-
Asian) were created using preferential and attitudinal statements. They were unsuccessful in
predicting specific behaviors. Findings suggest important specific differences between
individuals from different nativities as well as ethnicities. Major correlated findings are
consistent with previous literature, further suggesting that the many subgroups that fall under the
AAPI umbrella, are actually distinct and different on many levels. HIV intervention and
prevention campaigns should take these distinctions into consideration, to provide more
effective, culturally sensitive and specific resources for this high risk, AAPI MSM population.
Consistent with the hallmarks of a Georgetown education, this Honors Thesis in Human Science
serves to promote the well-being of humankind via a commitment to addressing the complicated
issues of at risk, minority populations. |