Social construction of HIV/AIDS among Aboriginal women in Windsor

Aboriginal women make up a large part of the HIV epidemic in Aboriginal communities, and are infected at a younger age than non-Aboriginal people. There has been a steady increase in HIV infection and AIDS cases among Aboriginal women over the last decade despite education and prevention efforts. Currently there appears to be no specific data on AIDS/HIV among Aboriginal women living in Windsor. Much of the current research in this area has involved surveys and questionnaires. There has been little research completed on the perceptions and meaning that Aboriginal women attribute to sexuality and reproductive health and risk behaviours as they relate to HIV/AIDS. Using in-depth interviews, this research attempts to reconstruct the perceptions and meanings which Aboriginal women of Windsor carry about HIV/AIDS and risk behaviour. The results of this research may be helpful in the development of future education and prevention programs for Aboriginal women