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In light of the abruptness and severity of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Asia, there has been growing concern in recent years about the HIV/AIDS risks with the steady rate of Asian and Pacific Islander (AAPI) migration to the United States. Little is known, however, about existing HIV risks among non-MSM (men who have sex with men) AAPIs. The purpose of this study was to examine self-reported HIV testing behaviors and their correlates among a sample of 604 Southeast Asians living in a U.S. urban setting. The HIV testing rate among our sample adults is 30.8%, lower than the median HIV testing rate in the U.S. adult population by state, lower than that of the general adult testing rate in the study city, and lower than that of the AAPI MSM population. A low sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing rate as a proxy for low perceived sexual risks and a dearth of HIV knowledge were associated with the low HIV testing rate. Traditional health care access measures, such as availability of medical insurance and a personal doctor, cannot explain the low HIV testing rate in this predominantly immigrant population. Culturally and linguistically appropriate HIV prevention campaigns could increase the awareness of HIV/STI risk in this AAPI population.

Asian Americans (AA) are thought to have the lowest rates of substance use. This study examined substance use prevalence among 494 urban-dwelling Southeast Asians using snowball techniques. Prevalence estimates were age-adjusted proportionate to the U.S. Asian population. Findings show beer and alcohol consumption approximated the national percentage among 25-44 year olds. U.S.-born were about three times likelier to have past month substance use. Foreign-born Vietnamese were likelier than U.S.-born to use all substances except for beer. U.S.- and foreign-born beer consumption rates were similar. Future research is needed to delineate substance use determinants and patterns in foreign and U.S.-born AA sub-groups.