Perceptions of partner risk and influences on sexual decision-making for HIV prevention among students at historically black colleges and universities

Abstract

Rates of HIV/AIDS are rising on the campuses of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). This paper examines the extent of these students’ knowledge of their sexual partners’ HIV risk behaviors and how their decision-making regarding sexual activity is shaped by this knowledge or lack of knowledge. Six focus groups were conducted with African American men and women attending HBCUs in the southeastern US. Commonality and divergence exist on the influences on African American male and female students’ HIV risk taking behaviors, including media, community, family, and religion. Participants in these focus groups indicated that engaging in discussions about HIV/AIDS could be detrimental to their relationships. The reluctance to engage in discussions about HIV/AIDS offers compelling evidence of the need to enhance the communication and negotiation skills of these students in order to reduce barriers to safer sex.