American Indian Women, HIV/AIDS, and Health Disparity

Abstract

Data are presented regarding the prevalence of HIV/AIDS among American Indian women. Health disparities found among American Indians are discussed and biological, economic, social, and behavioral risk factors associated with HIV are detailed. Recommendations are suggested to alleviate the spread of HIV among American Indian women and, in the process, to diminish a culture of treatment malpractice and a weakening of treatment ethics, racism, and genderism.

Keywords:

• American Indian
• HIV/AIDS
• women
• health disparity
• treatment access
• inequality
• at-risk
• vulnerability
• intimate partner violence
• genderism
• STD