Strategies to prevent HIV transmission among heterosexual African-American women

International Journal for Equity in Health

Nora I Osemene¹  GO Ogungbade²  Ronald J Peters³  Angela F Meshack³  E James Essien³ 

[1] College of Pharmacy. Texas Southern University. Houston, Texas 77004., USA;The HIV Prevention Research Group. College of Pharmacy, University of Houston, 1441 Moursund Street, Houston, Texas 77030. USA;WHO Center for Health Promotion and Prevention Research, University of Texas School of Public Health, Houston, Texas 77030, USA

关键词: Intervention.;    Risk behaviors;    AIDS;    HIV;    women;    African Americans;   

Others  :  1147751
DOI  :  10.1186/1475-9276-4-4

 received in 2004-10-18, accepted in 2005-03-17,  发布年份 2005

【 摘 要 】

Background

African-American women are disproportionately affected by HIV, accounting for 60% of all cases among women in the United States. Although their race is not a precursor for HIV, the socioeconomic and cultural disparities associated with being African American may increase their risk of infection. Prior research has shown that interventions designed to reduce HIV infection among African-American women must address the life demands and social problems they encounter. The present study used a qualitative exploratory design to elicit information about strategies to prevent HIV transmission among young, low-income African-American women.

Methods

Twenty five low income African American women, ages 18–29, participated in five focus groups of five women each conducted at a housing project in Houston, Texas, a large demographically diverse metropolitan area that is regarded as one of the HIV/AIDS epicenters in the United States. Each group was audiotaped, transcribed, and analyzed using theme and domain analysis.

Results

The participants revealed that they had most frequently placed themselves at risk for HIV infection through drugs and drinking and they also reported drug and alcohol use as important barriers to practicing safer sex. The women also reported that the need for money and having sex for money to buy food or drugs had placed them at risk for HIV transmission. About one-third of the participants stated that a barrier to their practicing safe sex was their belief that there was no risk based on their being in a monogamous relationship and feeling no need to use protection, but later learning that their mate was unfaithful. Other reasons given were lack of concern, being unprepared, partner's refusal to use a condom, and lack of money to buy condoms. Finally, the women stated that they were motivated to practice safe sex because of fear of contracting sexually transmitted diseases and HIV, desire not to become pregnant, and personal experience with someone who had contracted HIV.

Conclusion

This study offers a foundation for further research that may be used to create culturally relevant HIV prevention programs for African-American women.

【 授权许可】

   
2005 Essien et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.

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