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HIV Risk, Systemic Inequities, and Aboriginal Youth

Widening the Circle for HIV Prevention Programming

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Canadian Journal of Public Health Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Background

In Canada, Aboriginal people are overrepresented in the HIV epidemic and infected at a younger age than non-Aboriginal people. This paper discusses some of the ways Aboriginal youth in Toronto understand HIV/AIDS risk and the relevance of their comments for HIV prevention education. This research is part of a larger study conducted with Ontario youth through the Gendering Adolescent AIDS Prevention (GAAP) project.

Methods

We conducted 11 GAAP focus groups with Ontario youth. This paper focuses primarily on the four groups of Aboriginal youth. A modified grounded theory approach guided analyses. Data were coded using Nud*ist qualitative data management software.

Findings

Aboriginal youth were more aware of HIV/AIDS and the structural inequities that contribute to risk than their non-Aboriginal counterparts. In addition, they were the only group to talk about colonialism in the context of HIV in their community. Aboriginal youth were, however, more likely to hold a fatalistic view of their future and to blame their own community for high infection rates.

Interpretation

We argue for incorporating structural factors of risk, including the legacy of colonialism, in HIV prevention programs for all youth. This may help to eradicate the stigma and self-blame that negatively impact on Aboriginal youth while allowing other youth populations to distance themselves from the disease.

Résumé

Contexte

Au Canada, les Autochtones sont surreprésentés dans l’épidémie de VIH, et ils sont infectés à un âge moins avancé que les non-Autochtones. Dans cet article, il est question de la perception du risque de contracter le VIH chez les jeunes Autochtones de Toronto et de la pertinence des commentaires de ces jeunes pour les programmes d’éducation visant à prévenir le VIH. Cette étude s’inscrit dans une étude de plus grande envergure menée auprès des jeunes Ontariens dans le cadre du projet GAAP (Gendering Adolescent AIDS Prevention).

Méthode

Nous avons organisé 11 groupes de discussion GAAP avec des jeunes Ontariens. Dans cet article, nous nous intéressons principalement aux quatre groupes composés de jeunes Autochtones. Nos analyses se sont inspirées d’une approche théorique à base empirique modifiée. Les données ont été codées à l’aide du logiciel de gestion de données qualitatives Nud*ist.

Résultats

Les jeunes Autochtones étaient plus conscientisés que leurs concitoyens non- Autochtones au VIH et au sida, ainsi qu’aux inégalités structurelles qui font augmenter le risque de contracter le virus. De plus, ils ont été les seuls à parler du colonialisme dans le contexte du VIH dans leur communauté. Les jeunes Autochtones étaient cependant plus susceptibles d’envisager l’avenir avec fatalisme et de blâmer leur propre communauté pour les taux d’infection élevés qui y prévalent.

Interprétation

Nous préconisons l’intégration de facteurs de risque structurels, y compris l’héritage du colonialisme, dans les programmes de prévention du VIH, et ce, pour tous les jeunes. Cette mesure pourrait contribuer à éradiquer la stigmatisation et l’auto-accusation dont souffrent les jeunes Autochtones tout en permettant aux autres groupes de jeunes de prendre leurs distances par rapport à la maladie.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. The Gendering Adolescent AIDS Prevention (GAAP) Project, Undergraduate Coordinator Women and Gender Studies, Women and Gender Studies Institute, New College, University of Toronto, 40 Willcocks, Toronto, ON, M5S 1C6, Canada

    June Larkin PhD, Sarah Flicker PhD, Ruth Koleszar-Green, Susan Mintz BA & Michelle Dagnino MA

  2. Faculty of Environmental Studies, York University, Toronto, Canada

    Sarah Flicker PhD

  3. Social Work, Ryerson University, Toronto, Canada

    Ruth Koleszar-Green

  4. Urban Studies, University of Toronto, Canada

    Susan Mintz BA

  5. Osgoode Law School, York University, Canada

    Michelle Dagnino MA

  6. The Gendering Adolescent AIDS Prevention (GAAP) Project, Faculty of Education, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada

    Claudia Mitchell PhD

Authors
  1. June Larkin PhD
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  2. Sarah Flicker PhD
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  3. Ruth Koleszar-Green
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  4. Susan Mintz BA
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  5. Michelle Dagnino MA
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  6. Claudia Mitchell PhD
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to June Larkin PhD.

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Larkin, J., Flicker, S., Koleszar-Green, R. et al. HIV Risk, Systemic Inequities, and Aboriginal Youth. Can J Public Health 98, 179–182 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03403708

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03403708

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