Understanding the context of sexual risk behaviors among rural African American women stimulant users and their perceived risk of acquiring HIV

APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Patricia B. Wright, MPH, RN¹, Katharine E. Stewart, PhD, MPH², and Brenda M. Booth, PhD¹. (1) Division of Health Services Research, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 5800 W. 10th st., Suite 605, Little Rock, AR 72204, 501-660-7522, wrightpatriciab@uams.edu, (2) Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 W. Markham, #820, Little Rock, AR 72205

Background: The prevalence of HIV/AIDS in the Southern US is high among rural African Americans, especially women. Stimulant use has strong associations with increased HIV risk. However, we know little about stimulant use and HIV among rural African Americans. By understanding the context of sexual risk behavior among rural African American stimulant-using women and their perceived risk for acquiring HIV, we can develop culturally appropriate interventions that incorporate these perceptions and possibly decrease HIV incidence in this under-served population. Methods: Ethnographic interviews were conducted with 12 African American women age 18-47 from two rural Arkansas communities. All used cocaine within the past 30 days. Interviews were audiotaped, transcribed, verified for accuracy, and entered into Ethnograph 5.0 software for analysis. A codebook was developed and content analysis and constant comparisons were used to code all subsequent transcripts. Results: Four major themes emerged: knowledge and beliefs about HIV, relationships, life-style, and self-image. Preliminary results indicate rural African American female stimulant users are knowledgeable about HIV transmission and know that practicing safe sex decreases their risk of exposure. Although participants acknowledged their personal risks with deep concern, knowledge was not enough to prevent them from “taking a chance” by engaging in high-risk sexual activities. These activities were influenced by their drug use, financial needs, and emotional needs. Conclusions: There are significant personal, cultural, and environmental factors that are important to understanding HIV prevention among rural African American stimulant-using women.

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of this session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to

1. List four sexual risk factors for HIV among African-American women stimulant users in the rural South.
2. Discuss how African-American women stimulant users in the rural South perceive their risk of acquiring HIV and their perceived barriers to HIV prevention.
3. Identify six social and environmental factors that must be considered in developing risk reduction interventions for rural African American women who use stimulants.

Keywords: Rural Health, Sexual Risk Behavior

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No

Recorded presentation

New Approaches To Understanding HIV Risk Behavior

The 134th Annual Meeting & Exposition (November 4-8, 2006) of APHA