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Sociocultural dimensions of HIV/AIDS among Middle Eastern immigrants in the US: bridging culture with HIV/AIDS programmes

Institute of Community Health, College of Pharmacy, University of Houston, US The University of Texas - Health Science Center at Houston, Medical School, Houston, US, pehsanza{at}central.uh.edu

Abul Sadeque, MD, MA, MPH, DrPH

The University of Texas - Health Science Center at Houston, Medical School, Houston, US

Richard M Grimes, PhD

The University of Texas - Health Science Center at Houston, Medical School, Houston, US

E James Essien, MD, DrPH

Institute of Community Health, College of Pharmacy, University of Houston, US

The population of Middle Eastern immigrants in the US has been increasing dramatically over the past 30 years, growing from 200,000 in 1970 to 1.5 million in 2000. These immigrants and their descendants constitute an important new population of interest for public health and other social programmes. With this addition to the cultural diversity of American society, it is important for healthcare programmes to be responsive to the unique cultural needs of those of Middle Eastern origin and to include them in healthcare curricula. This need is particularly imperative for human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) intervention programmes, where the reduction of risky behaviours is essential to controlling the epidemic. When Middle Easterners emigrate to the US they must adjust to the American culture, which leads to preservation of some aspects of their culture and adjustment of behaviors to match American customs. This article aims to present sociocultural factors of HIV risk behaviours that are specific to Middle Eastern culture. The article also provides recommendations for HIV/AIDS-culturally appropriate intervention programmes.

Key Words: HIV risk factors • sociocultural factors • immigrants • Middle Easterners • health disparity

Perspectives in Public Health, Vol. 129, No. 5, 228-233 (2009)
DOI: 10.1177/1466424008094807


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