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Chen WT, Sun W, Huang F, Shiu CS, Kim B, Candelario J, Toma L, Wu G, Ah-Yune J. Lost in Translation: Impact of Language Barriers and Facilitators on the Health Care of Asian Americans Living with HIV. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities 2024; 11:2064-2072. [PMID: 37306920 PMCID: PMC10713860 DOI: 10.1007/s40615-023-01674-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Language barriers are major obstacles that Asian American immigrants face when accessing health care in the USA. This study was conducted to explore the impact of language barriers and facilitators on the health care of Asian Americans. Qualitative, in-depth interviews and quantitative surveys were conducted with 69 Asian Americans (Chinese, Filipino, Japanese, Malaysian, Indonesian, Vietnamese, and mixed Asian backgrounds) living with HIV (AALWH) in three urban areas (New York, San Francisco, and Los Angeles) in 2013 and from 2017 to 2020. The quantitative data indicate that language ability is negatively associated with stigma. Major themes emerged related to communication, including the impact of language barriers on HIV care and the positive impact of language facilitators-family members/friends, case managers, or interpreters-who can communicate with healthcare providers in the AALWH's native language. Language barriers negatively impact access to HIV-related services and thus result in decreased adherence to antiretroviral therapy, increased unmet healthcare needs, and increased HIV-related stigma. Language facilitators enhanced the connection between AALWH and the healthcare system by facilitating their engagement with health care providers. Language barriers experienced by AALWH not only impact their healthcare decisions and treatment choices but also increase levels of external stigma which may influence the process of acculturation to the host country. Language facilitators and barriers to health services for AALWH represent a target for future interventions in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Ti Chen
- School of Nursing, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
| | - Wenxiu Sun
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Feifei Huang
- School of Nursing, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Cheng-Shi Shiu
- School of Nursing, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
- National Taiwan University, Department of Social Work, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Boram Kim
- School of Nursing, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Jury Candelario
- APAIT- A division of Special Service for Groups, Inc., Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Lance Toma
- San Francisco Community Health Center, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Gilbert Wu
- Chinese-American Planning Council, Inc., New York, NY, USA
| | - Judy Ah-Yune
- Chinese-American Planning Council, Inc., New York, NY, USA
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Chen WT, Barbour R. Male and female Asians living with HIV: a text-mining analysis comparing their concerns. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1114731. [PMID: 37251024 PMCID: PMC10213259 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1114731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Asians are "a forgotten population" whose HIV prevention and treatment needs have long been ignored. Studies on people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) have primarily reported on physical and psychological conditions among men and gender minorities. Methods We used data-mining to select words and word patterns from pooled in-depth interviews conducted with 33 women and 12 men (n = 45) who were HIV positive and residing in San Francisco, United States, Shanghai, Beijing, or Taipei, China. We analyzed gender-based data (male vs. female) within the participant responses. Results Disclosure of HIV serostatus was discussed by both genders of PLWHA. Participants were concerned whether they should disclose their diagnosis and how to disclose it to their family members. Specifically, for women, family relationships and financial burdens were discussed most often. In terms of men, HIV disclosure was the key concern followed by disclosure of their sexual preference and concerns over what people were saying about them in the community. Conclusion This project compared and contrasted concerns of Asian HIV-positive men and women. As healthcare providers promoting self-management by HIV-positive individuals of both genders, it is important to consider that there may be significant differences between them. Future interventions should consider how gender role influences self-management strategies in PLWHA and how support can be targeted to achieve a better quality of life for PLWHA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Ti Chen
- School of Nursing, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Russell Barbour
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS (CIRA), Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, United States
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Huang F, Chen WT, Shiu CS, Sun W, Toma L, Luu BV, Ah-Yune J. Acculturation, HIV-Related Stigma, Stress, and Patient-Healthcare Provider Relationships Among HIV-Infected Asian Americans: A Path Analysis. J Immigr Minor Health 2021; 22:1217-1224. [PMID: 32789735 PMCID: PMC7424136 DOI: 10.1007/s10903-020-01068-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Acculturation may limit HIV-positive Asian Americans’ active interactions with patient-healthcare providers (HCP) and utilization of HIV healthcare services; however, the specific mediation effect of acculturation still unknown. A bias-corrected factor score path analysis was performed to examine the proposed model of relations among acculturation, stigma, stress, and patient-HCP relationships. A convenience sample of 69 HIV-positive Asian Americans in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and New York City were recruited and collect data were collected on demographics, HIV-related stigma, stress, and patient-HCP relationships. HIV stigma and stress had a direct, negative effect on patient-HCP relationships. Acculturation had a positive total effect on patient-HCP relationships, and was mediated by HIV stigma and stress. A acculturation also had a direct impact on stigma and stress. Acculturation, HIV-related stigma, and stress are key elements to achieving good patient-HCP relationships, and provide insights on the design of culturally sensitive interventions to improve patient-HCP relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feifei Huang
- School of Nursing, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China.,School of Nursing, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Wei-Ti Chen
- School of Nursing, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
| | - Cheng-Shi Shiu
- School of Nursing, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.,Department of Social Work, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wenxiu Sun
- School of Nursing, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.,Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lance Toma
- San Francisco Community Health Center, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Binh Vinh Luu
- Chinese-American Planning Council, Inc, New York, NY, USA
| | - Judy Ah-Yune
- Chinese-American Planning Council, Inc, New York, NY, USA
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Huang F, Chen WT, Shiu CS, Sun W, Radaza A, Toma L, Luu BV, Ah-Yune J. Physical symptoms and sleep disturbances activate coping strategies among HIV-infected Asian Americans: a pathway analysis. AIDS Care 2021; 33:1201-1208. [PMID: 33487002 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2021.1874270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
How to activate adaptive coping strategies has an important and practical meaning for the quality of life of people living with HIV (PLHIV); however, few studies have focused on the effects of sleep disturbances and HIV-related physical symptoms on coping strategies. The specific relationships among coping strategies, sleep disturbances and HIV-related physical symptoms were unknown. We performed a path analysis to examine the proposed model of relationships among sleep disturbances, physical symptoms, and coping strategies. A convenience sample of 69 HIV-positive Asian Americans in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and New York City were recruited and data were collected on demographics, sleep disturbances, HIV-related physical symptoms, and coping strategies. Sleep disturbances directly affect maladaptive coping (β = 0.34), and physical symptoms directly affect adaptive coping (β = 0.30) and maladaptive coping (β = 0.24). Interventions designed to decrease sleep disturbances and physical symptoms should be developed to enhance adaptive coping and reduce maladaptive coping among Asian Americans with HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feifei Huang
- School of Nursing, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, People's Republic of China.,School of Nursing, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Wei-Ti Chen
- School of Nursing, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Cheng-Shi Shiu
- School of Nursing, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Department of Social Work, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wenxiu Sun
- School of Nursing, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Abigail Radaza
- Research, Evaluation, and Development, APAIT, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Lance Toma
- San Francisco Community Health Center, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Binh Vinh Luu
- Chinese-American Planning Council, Inc., New York, CA, USA
| | - Judy Ah-Yune
- Chinese-American Planning Council, Inc., New York, CA, USA
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Xiao S, Wang L, Edelman EJ, Khoshnood K. Interpersonal factors contributing to tension in the Chinese doctor-patient-family relationship: a qualitative study in Hunan Province. BMJ Open 2020; 10:e040743. [PMID: 33303452 PMCID: PMC7733169 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-040743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify actionable barriers to communication that contribute to tension in the Chinese doctor-patient-family relationship (DPFR) among surgeons, surgical patients and their family members. DESIGN We employed qualitative research methods using in-depth, semistructured interviews in Mandarin and English and conducted preoperatively and postoperatively. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed and translated into English. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. SETTING An urban, tertiary-level teaching hospital in Hunan Province, China. PARTICIPANTS We recruited a purposive sample of 11 inpatients undergoing the same minor surgery, 9 of their family members and 9 surgeons between June and August 2015. RESULTS We identified three emergent themes. First, trust degradation occurred before and during the healthcare experience. Second, the healthcare-seeking experience for patients and family members was marked by unmet expectations for achieving a basic understanding of the illness as well as powerlessness over their situation. Third, societal pressures on doctors contributed to a state of learned helplessness. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that tension in the DPFR is associated with interpersonal and structural challenges, with communication playing an important role. Reforms at all levels are needed to promote a more patient-centred experience while ensuring the well-being and security of providers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyu Xiao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Women's Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Lixuan Wang
- Division of Disease Control, New York City Department of Health and Hygiene, Queens, New York, USA
| | - E Jennifer Edelman
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Kaveh Khoshnood
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
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Vujcich D, Wangda S, Roberts M, Lobo R, Maycock B, Kulappu Thanthirige C, Reid A. Modes of administering sexual health and blood-borne virus surveys in migrant populations: A scoping review. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0236821. [PMID: 32745106 PMCID: PMC7398552 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0236821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
There has been a growing number of sexual health and blood-borne virus (SHBBV) surveys specifically administered to migrant populations. The purpose of this scoping review is to collate available information about how SHBBV surveys have been administered in migrant populations and the effect that mode of administration has on data quality, reliability and other practical considerations, e.g. response rates (RR) and social desirability bias. A methodological framework for scoping reviews was applied. SHBBV survey studies administered to international migrants published since 2000 were included if they contained some description of mode of administration. Ninety one studies were identified for inclusion from Embase, Medline, Web of Science, Google Scholar and supplementary grey literature. 'Interview only' was the most common mode of administration (n = 48), predominately comprising face-to-face interviews. Thirty six studies reported data from 'self-completed' surveys only, with pen-and-paper being most common (n = 17). Few studies (n = 7) combined interview and self-completed methods of survey administration. Sixty one studies did not report (or only partially reported) RR or the data necessary to calculate RR. Of the studies that reported RR, most were missing other key information including method of recruitment, consent procedures and whether incentives were offered. Strengths and limitations of all administration modes are summarised. Guidelines to inform future SHBBV survey research in migrant populations are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Vujcich
- School of Public Health, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | | | - Meagan Roberts
- School of Public Health, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
| | - Roanna Lobo
- School of Public Health, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
| | - Bruce Maycock
- College of Medicine & Health, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | | | - Alison Reid
- School of Public Health, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
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Choi S, Yoo J, Park J, Lee HY, Tran HTG, Lee JK, Oh J. Manifestations of socioeconomic status and its association with physical child punishment- Results from the Multi-Indicators Cluster Survey in Viet Nam, 2006-2014. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2018; 85:1-8. [PMID: 30201520 PMCID: PMC6476300 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2018.08.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2018] [Revised: 08/16/2018] [Accepted: 08/31/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Physical child punishment is a critical public health problem that exhibits negative and long-lasting mental and physical health consequences. Yet, the predictors of physical punishment are understudied in developing countries, and disparities that exist between levels of economic status are not known well. The socioeconomic predictors of physical child punishment were investigated using three rounds of the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) results in a lower middle-income country, Viet Nam from 2006 to 2014. A total of 16,784 households that have answered the child punishment questionnaire from MICS data from 2006 to 2014 were included in the analysis. Descriptive statistics, univariate, and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted. A secular trend of disparity was investigated with and without the parents' normative values on physical punishment. Children in Viet Nam have been subject to some form of violent physical punishment by their parents or caregivers. About half of the children in the poorest households (44.7%) experienced physical child punishment while lesser percentage of children in the richer households experienced physical child punishment. Disparities existed across different wealth groups as the prevalence of physical child punishment decreased: the gap between the poorest and the richest group widened. Compared to the richest households, the poorest households were more likely to experience physical child punishment AOR 1.58 (95% CI 1.39-1.79). There is a decrease in the prevalence of physical punishment over the recent years in Viet Nam, socioeconomic disparities, in contrast, have increased, and the poorest children have a higher risk of experiencing physical child punishment. Such disparities should be considered in future research and intervention development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sugy Choi
- JW LEE Center for Global Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Department of Health Law, Policy and Management, Boston University, School of Public Health, Boston, MA United States.
| | - Jinsol Yoo
- JW LEE Center for Global Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jayoung Park
- JW LEE Center for Global Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Seoul National University College of Nursing, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hwa-Young Lee
- JW LEE Center for Global Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Huong Thi Giang Tran
- Department of Global Health, Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi, Viet Nam; Department of International Cooperation, Viet Nam Ministry of Health, Ha Noi, Viet Nam
| | - Jong-Koo Lee
- JW LEE Center for Global Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Department of Family Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Juhwan Oh
- JW LEE Center for Global Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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Tang K, Chen WT. HIV and religion in HIV-infected Asians and their families: A qualitative study. Appl Nurs Res 2018; 44:18-24. [PMID: 30389055 DOI: 10.1016/j.apnr.2018.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2018] [Revised: 09/15/2018] [Accepted: 09/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
AIM This paper examines HIV-infected Asian Americans' experiences with religion throughout the course of their illness and their family relationships. BACKGROUND As the number of Asians in the United States continues to grow, health professionals are beginning notice obvious gaps of knowledge in caring for this population, including HIV-infected individuals. Little is known about the impact of religion and faith on Asian Americans with HIV and their families. The study focuses on the participants' reported experiences to understand the variety of roles religion can play in the progression of a highly stigmatized chronic disease. METHODS An in-depth interview was conducted in San Francisco and New York City with 30 HIV-infected Asians. Narrative samples and summarized responses was used to highlight themes that emerged from the participants' anecdotes. Interpretive content analysis was employed. RESULTS These groups were categorized as (a) those who did not adhere to any religion, (b) those of tenuous religious faith with conflicted feelings, and (c) those of strong religious faith with congruent beliefs. Within these three groups, various themes were synthesized from the members' perceptions and past experiences with religion. Within each group, participants displayed various stages of reconciliation with their current faith-related beliefs and escape the family stress from their religion practices. Each participant's story shown the vast range of human understanding and faith experiences including self-actualization, acculturation, and depression. CONCLUSIONS This research provides new insight on the challenge of managing HIV-infected patients in a culturally and religiously appropriate manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Tang
- School of Nursing, Yale University, Orange, CT, United States of America
| | - Wei-Ti Chen
- University of California Los Angeles, School of Nursing, United States of America.
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Wang K, Chen WT, Zhang L, Bao M, Zhao H, Lu H. Facilitators of and barriers to HIV self-management: Perspectives of HIV-positive women in China. Appl Nurs Res 2016; 32:91-97. [PMID: 27969059 PMCID: PMC5158022 DOI: 10.1016/j.apnr.2016.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2015] [Revised: 02/21/2016] [Accepted: 06/07/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
AIMS The aim is to explore perceived facilitators of and barriers to HIV self-management for HIV-positive Chinese women. BACKGROUND Little is known about self-management among HIV-positive Chinese women in China. Understanding the experiences of this population is needed to promote self-management. METHODS 27 in-depth interviews were conducted in Beijing and Shanghai. Facilitators included families being supportive after disclosure, patients learning how to live with HIV, antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence, and rediscovering the meaning of life. Several barriers were also identified, including lack of support, stigma, fatigue, and financial difficulty. RESULTS HIV disclosure is essential to obtaining necessary support. Ironically, disclosing to family members who stigmatize the disease may invite unwelcome responses. Helping HIV-positive women to decrease self-stigma and develop an effective way to disclose, if they choose to, is important. CONCLUSION Future interventions should focus on disclosure strategies development and self-management to prevent isolation, enhance social support, and decrease self-stigma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerong Wang
- HIV/AIDS Unit, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Wei-Ti Chen
- School of Nursing, Yale University, Orange, CT 06477, USA
| | - Lin Zhang
- Departemnt of Nursing, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Shanghai 201508, China
| | - MeiJuan Bao
- Departemnt of Nursing, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Shanghai 201508, China
| | - Hongxin Zhao
- HIV/AIDS Unit, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, China.
| | - Hongzhou Lu
- Departemnt of Nursing, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Shanghai 201508, China.
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Chen WT, Barbour R. Life priorities in the HIV-positive Asians: a text-mining analysis in young vs. old generation. AIDS Care 2016; 29:507-510. [PMID: 27684610 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2016.1221029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
HIV/AIDS is one of the most urgent and challenging public health issues, especially since it is now considered a chronic disease. In this project, we used text mining techniques to extract meaningful words and word patterns from 45 transcribed in-depth interviews of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) conducted in Taipei, Beijing, Shanghai, and San Francisco from 2006 to 2013. Text mining analysis can predict whether an emerging field will become a long-lasting source of academic interest or whether it is simply a passing source of interest that will soon disappear. The data were analyzed by age group (45 and older vs. 44 and younger). The highest ranking fragments in the order of frequency were: "care", "daughter", "disease", "family", "HIV", "hospital", "husband", "medicines", "money", "people", "son", "tell/disclosure", "thought", "want", and "years". Participants in the 44-year-old and younger group were focused mainly on disease disclosure, their families, and their financial condition. In older PLWHA, social supports were one of the main concerns. In this study, we learned that different age groups perceive the disease differently. Therefore, when designing intervention, researchers should consider to tailor an intervention to a specific population and to help PLWHA achieve a better quality of life. Promoting self-management can be an effective strategy for every encounter with HIV-positive individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Ti Chen
- a School of Nursing , Yale University , Orange , CT , USA
| | - Russell Barbour
- b Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS (CIRA) , Yale School of Public Health , New Haven , CT , USA
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Leung MR, Chin JJ, Petrescu-Prahova M. Involving immigrant religious organizations in HIV/AIDS prevention: The role of bonding and bridging social capital. Soc Sci Med 2016; 162:201-9. [PMID: 27372709 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2016.06.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2015] [Revised: 06/21/2016] [Accepted: 06/23/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Immigrant religious organizations in the United States are uniquely positioned to address critical issues beyond religion because of their moral, social and cultural prominence in community life. Increasingly, religious organizations have taken on a leadership role around health issues such as decreasing HIV/AIDS stigma and misinformation. However, there are barriers for some religious leaders and organizations in adopting new health programs, especially if the issue is seen as controversial. Our study examines how social network structures among religious members influence organizational acceptance of new information or controversial ideas, like HIV/AIDS. Using social network analysis methods on data from 2841 contacts in 20 immigrant Chinese Buddhist temples and Christian churches in New York City, we tested whether an immigrant religious organization's likelihood of being involved in HIV/AIDS activities was associated with the presence of bonding or bridging social capital. These two forms of social capital have been found to mediate the levels of exposure and openness to new ideas. We found HIV/AIDS-involved religious organizations were more likely to have lower levels of bonding social capital as indicated by members having fewer ties and fewer demographic attributes in common. We also found HIV/AIDS-involved religious organizations were more likely to have higher levels of bridging social capital as indicated by members having significantly more ties to people outside of their organization. Our study highlights the importance of looking beyond religion type and leadership attributes to social network structures among members in order to better explain organization-level receptiveness to HIV/AIDS involvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- ManChui R Leung
- Sociology, School of Public Health, University of Washington, 211 Savery Hall, Box 353340, Seattle, WA 98195, United States.
| | - John J Chin
- Urban Affairs and Planning, Hunter College, City University of New York, 695 Park Avenue, W1611, New York, NY 10065, United States.
| | - Miruna Petrescu-Prahova
- School of Public Health, Health Promotion Research Center, University of Washington, 1107 NE 45th St., Suite 200, Seattle, WA 98105, United States.
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