In a groundbreaking study that addresses the stark disparities in HIV prevention and care among Native American communities, Dr. Crystal Lee, an assistant professor in The University of New Mexico’s College of Population Health, has made significant strides toward understanding the unique challenges faced by Indigenous populations in relation to HIV. As a member of the Diné (Navajo) Nation, Dr. Lee brings a deeply personal perspective to her work, informed by both her academic background and her lived experiences.
Despite Native Americans constituting only 1% of the national HIV and AIDS cases, they rank third in new HIV diagnoses in the United States, trailing only African American and Hispanic populations. Alarmingly, a report from the American Public Health Association (APHA) revealed that in 2021, individuals aged 25-34 within Native American communities represented the highest percentage of new HIV diagnoses among all age groups, with a staggering 40% increase from the previous year. This rise has been exacerbated by a surge in injection drug use among Native American women, highlighting an urgent need for targeted prevention strategies.
Dr. Lee’s research, funded by Gilead, a leading biopharmaceutical company focused on infectious diseases, investigates the social and cultural factors that impact the acceptability of biomedical HIV prevention methods among Native American college students. This exploration is critical, given the historical and ongoing effects of colonization, marginalization, and discrimination that have long plagued Indigenous communities.
#### A Closer Look at the Research
Completed in December 2023, Dr. Lee’s research delves into the intricacies of how cultural identity, social norms, and historical trauma shape the attitudes and beliefs of Native American youth toward HIV prevention strategies, such as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). The study’s findings aim to inform more culturally competent approaches to HIV education and prevention within Native American populations.
Dr. Lee emphasizes the importance of involving community members in the research process to ensure that the solutions developed are not only effective but also resonate with the values and needs of the communities they serve. By centering Indigenous voices, her work seeks to create a framework for HIV prevention that respects and honors the unique cultural contexts of Native American populations.
The increase in new HIV diagnoses among Native Americans calls for immediate action. With the challenges posed by systemic inequities, there is a pressing need for tailored interventions that address the specific health needs of Indigenous communities. Dr. Lee’s research is poised to be a catalyst for change, offering insights that can shape public health policies and programs aimed at reducing the prevalence of HIV in these populations.
As she presented her findings at the recent APHA conference in Atlanta, Dr. Lee highlighted the critical role of education and prevention efforts in combating the rising tide of HIV diagnoses among Native American communities. Her work stands as a testament to the power of research in driving social change and improving health outcomes for marginalized populations.
Dr. Crystal Lee’s innovative research not only sheds light on the disparities in HIV prevention and care within Native American communities but also provides a blueprint for addressing these challenges head-on. By leveraging her expertise as a public health professional and her identity as a member of the Diné Nation, Dr. Lee is leading the charge toward a more equitable future for Indigenous populations in the realm of HIV prevention. As the need for immediate intervention grows, her work will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping a healthier future for Native Americans across the nation.
For further details on Dr. Lee’s research and its implications, visit the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Newsroom [here](https://hsc.unm.edu/news/2024/10/hsc-newsroom-post-hiv-native-american-communities.html).