title: A Synthesis of 20 Years of Research on Sexual Risk Taking Among Asian/Pacific Islander Men Who Have Sex With Men in Western Countries.
abstract: Over the past two decades, there has emerged a body of literature documenting a number of risk factors associated with Asian/Pacific Islander men who have sex with men's unsafe sexual behaviors. This study aims to systematically review existing empirical studies and synthesize research results into a social-ecological framework using a mixed research synthesis. Empirical research articles published in peer-reviewed journals between January 1990 and June 2013 were identified in six databases, including PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Social Work Abstract, CINAL, and Web of Knowledge. Both quantitative and qualitative studies were included. Two analysts independently reviewed the articles, and findings were organized on a social-ecological framework. Twenty-two articles were included in the analysis; among these 13 were quantitative, 8 were qualitative, and 1 was mixed-methods research. Results indicated that demographic characteristics, psychological resources, behavioral patterns, relationships with family and friends, dynamics with romantic or sexual partners, community involvement, culture, discrimination, and institutional factors were related to unprotected anal intercourse. This article presents a critique of this literature and discusses implications for future research with this population. It concludes with prevention/intervention initiatives based on review findings.
authors.affiliation: School of Social Work, University of Washington, USA.
authors.forename: Chen
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Shi Shiu
authors.affiliation: School of Social Service Administration, University of Chicago, USA d-voisin@uchicago.edu.
authors.forename: Dexter R
authors.initials: DR
authors.lastname: Voisin
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing, Yale University, USA.
authors.forename: Wet-Ti
authors.initials: WT
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.affiliation: Counseling Center, University of Washington, USA.
authors.forename: Yi-An
authors.initials: YA
authors.lastname: Lo
authors.affiliation: Department of Social Work, North Carolina State University, USA.
authors.forename: Melissa
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Hardestry
authors.affiliation: College of Social Work, University of South Carolina, USA.
authors.forename: Huong
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Nguyen
mesh_terms: D044466:Asian People; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D044468:Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander; D012309:Risk-Taking; D000072339:Sexual and Gender Minorities; D047568:Unsafe Sex
keywords: API; MSM; risk factors; social ecology; unprotected anal sex