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2009 American Public Health Association

APAIT's "Los Angeles Asian HIV-Hepatitis Co-infection Study" recently concluded after a two-year partnership with UCLA.  The research team was led by Principal Investigator Jury Candelario (Division Director of APAIT), co-Principal Investigator Lois M. Takahashi (Professor in Urban Planning at UCLA), and co-medical investigator Ana-Claire Meyer, MD (Robert Wood Johnson/Veteran's Affairs Clinical Scholar at UCLA).

The study focused on exploring the barriers particular to Asians with HIV/AIDS (and hepatitis B/C).  During the two-year research study, staff conducted in-depth interviews and surveys with Asians living with HIV (and viral hepatitis). This study also included interviews and surveys with HIV and hepatitis-related medical/social service providers in Los Angeles and Orange counties.

Some of the major research findings about HIV and hepatitis included: issues of stigma, lack of knowledge, fear of privacy/disclosure in accessing care, and the need for culturally and linguistically appropriate services. There were troubling misconceptions about transmission: a large proportion said that these diseases could be transmitted through mosquitoes or through kissing of HIV+ Asian participants. These participants cited limited access to culturally appropriate services as their biggest challenge in accessing care.

In addition, providers indicated limited knowledge from the API community, their own staff and other providers regarding HIV/AIDS and viral hepatitis co-infection.  When it came to barriers to care, most providers indicated high levels of stigma on the part of both clients and providers; the limited availability of interpreters; and clients' concerns about privacy and disclosure when accessing services. A growing concern about the fear of visibility and disclosure with other Asian providers and clients emerged as a perceived barrier to care.

Two research articles are in progress to be submitted to peer-reviewed academic journals.