ABQ Times

A health researcher from the University of New Mexico is shedding light on disparities in HIV prevention and care within Native American communities. Crystal Lee, PhD, MPH, MLS, a member of the Diné (Navajo) Nation and assistant professor at the College of Population Health, has conducted research funded by Gilead to explore factors influencing the acceptability of biomedical HIV prevention methods among Native American college students.

Lee's work highlights ongoing health disparities linked to historical and present-day colonization and marginalization. Although Native Americans make up only 1% of national HIV and AIDS cases, they rank third in new HIV diagnoses after African American and Hispanic populations.

Recent data shows that in 2021, Native Americans aged 25-34 accounted for 40% of new HIV diagnoses, an increase from 36% in 2020. This uptick is partly due to increased injection drug use among Native American women, as reported by representatives from the Navajo Nation Department of Health at a recent conference.

Lee's study focuses on awareness and use of HIV prevention medications such as Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP). A comprehensive survey was developed with input from a Native American advisory committee and distributed to college students across urban and rural institutions. The survey reached over 100 tribes and colleges/universities nationwide.

The results revealed varied knowledge about PrEP among respondents. Male participants were more likely than females to be informed about PrEP. Students who had been tested for HIV were also more knowledgeable. Awareness differed based on educational institution type, living arrangements, and sexual orientation.

Lee noted a gap in healthcare access: “a lot of the Indian Health Service clinics that are considered universal health care systems for Native Americans are not giving out PrEP.” This points to an awareness issue rather than availability since the Indian Health Service does offer resources for PrEP and PEP.

Responses indicated that students using campus health centers had better understanding of HIV, emphasizing the role of accessible healthcare services in improving literacy. Increasing awareness about resources like PrEP can help equip Native Americans with necessary knowledge.

Building on her research, Lee is involved in developing a proposal led by Bernadette Jakeman from UNM’s College of Pharmacy. The study aims to identify barriers to accessing HIV testing and PrEP through community pharmacies serving Native American populations.

Lee’s work addresses crucial aspects of the HIV epidemic affecting Indigenous communities by examining cultural influences on prevention methods. Her efforts aim to bridge gaps in education, prevention, and care to reduce disparities among Native American populations.