NCJ Number
213167
Date Published
March 2000
Length
13 pages
Annotation
This information on HIV/AIDS in both urban and reservation Native communities is intended for law enforcement personnel, caseworkers, counselors, educators, government and tribal health professionals, tribal leaders, and tribal community workers.
Abstract
Following an overview of the history of disease among Native Americans, this monograph discusses the prevalence of HIV/AIDS among Native Americans. AIDS cases among Native people is estimated to involve less than 1 percent of their population; however, many healthcare workers believe this is an underestimate due to poor reporting. The cumulative number of reported AIDS cases for Native Americans were 1,783 through December 1997, a substantial increase from 2 in 1984. Native American HIV/AIDS risk factors include risky behaviors associated with alcohol and substance abuse, such as needle sharing and unprotected sex, along with the prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases that can produce open sores, which increase exposure to HIV infection during unprotected sex. Other risk factors include generally poor health among Native Americans that increases the risk for infection. Prevention measures are impeded by various cultural factors that promote denial that a problem exists. Prevention programs must target Native American women, Native gay and bisexual men, and youth who are prone to risky behaviors. Good case management is the key to treating those with HIV/AIDS. This should include support groups; hospitalization; mental health counseling; home health care; transportation; day care; and use of the resources of Native American spirituality, traditional healing, and cultural awareness. Funding, which has been a historic problem for Native American communities, should focus on collaboration with multiple agencies experienced in tapping a variety of government and private funding sources. 66 information resources