POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER (PTSD) IN ARAB AMERICAN REFUGEE AND RECENT IMMIGRANT WOMEN

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Cultural Studies

Background:

• Routine male circumcision (RMC) is recognized for its efficacy in preventing HIV transmission in African populations.
• China is experiencing a rise in HIV infection rates, prompting exploration of potential prevention strategies.
• The cultural context of China regarding male circumcision is largely unexplored in relation to public health interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the perceptions and attitudes of mainland Chinese nationals towards routine male circumcision (RMC).
• To assess the cultural acceptability and potential barriers to implementing RMC as an HIV prevention strategy in China.

Main Methods:

• A qualitative focus group study was conducted with mainland Chinese nationals.
• Participants' views on RMC, its health implications, and its relevance to HIV prevention were explored.

Main Results:

• A significant majority (90%) perceived RMC as unfamiliar and culturally sensitive.
• Most participants (80%) did not identify significant health drawbacks associated with being uncircumcised.
• Participants expressed skepticism about RMC's effectiveness for rising HIV rates and opposed mandatory circumcision.

Conclusions:

• Cultural traditions and perceptions of RMC in China appear to be a more significant factor than concerns about HIV infection rates.
• RMC is unlikely to be readily accepted as a public health strategy for HIV prevention in China without addressing cultural considerations.