Journal of HIV/AIDS and Social Services
Volume 13, Issue 3, 2014, Pages 234-251

Sexual Practices and HIV Risk Behaviors Among African American Female Partners of Sex-Trading Men Who Have Sex With Men and Women: A Descriptive Analysis (Article)

Brocato J.* , Washington T.A. , Green Y.R. , Robles G.
  • a School of Social Work, California State University Long Beach, Long Beach, CA, United States
  • b School of Social Work, California State University Long Beach, Long Beach, CA, United States
  • c School of Social Work, California State University Long Beach, Long Beach, CA, United States
  • d Silver School of Social Work, New York University, New York, NY, United States

Abstract

African American women continue to be disproportionately burdened by HIV and AIDS. An important determinant of the risk of transmission lies in the characteristics of sexual partnerships. The current study explores the sexual risk behaviors of a vulnerable population subgroup of African American women who engage in sexual partnerships with men who are sex traders and have sex with both men and women. The sample was 106 adult African American women. Data regarding sociodemographics, drug-using behavior, sexual practices, HIV and sexually transmitted infections, and health-seeking behaviors were analyzed. Nearly 90% of participants reported unprotected vaginal sex and using crack cocaine in the previous 3 months. The recent use of heroin was significantly associated with diminished condom use. A clear majority of the participants did not know their HIV status. This study is the first to examine and document shared structural and behavioral risk profiles of this population. © 2014 Copyright Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.

Author Keywords

HIV-related risk behaviors sociostructural African American women prevention

Index Keywords

risk factor sexual behavior African American Human immunodeficiency virus health risk sexually transmitted disease womens health
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84906502516&doi=10.1080%2f15381501.2013.792105&partnerID=40&md5=57bd714ede3b68393321c44501472aa7
DOI: 10.1080/15381501.2013.792105
ISSN: 15381501
Original Language: English