Pilar Horner and Reza Nassiri
Despite the wide access to anti-retroviral medications to combat HIV/AIDS, the Dominican Republic (DR) has the second highest numbers in HIV prevalence in the Caribbean and Latin American region. Knowledge gained from previous research still struggles to explain how socio-cultural factors effect prevention and treatment. Few studies rigorously examine the manner in which Dominicans face unique social and cultural challenges with diagnosis. Syndemic theory frames this paper in order to capture the importance of socio-cultural interconnections within the HIV/AIDS population in the DR. Particularly, this paper focusses on the social and behavioral difficulties of HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment. This study took place in Boca Chica, Dominican Republic, at a small HIV/AIDS clinic near the tourist quarter. Qualitative methodologies are employed with in-depth interviews, memos, and participant observation of group charlas (educative talk sessions), and visits the community medical center and patients' neighborhoods. A syndemic was confirmed of neighborhood effects, malnutrition, and HIV/AIDS diagnosis. Particular attention was paid to disparities of gender, economic class, and employment.
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