Perception of eligible black men as a context for hiv-related risk behavior among black women

Abstract

African American women are leading in number of newly diagnosed HIV cases, which is a cause for alarm and has a deleterious effect on families and communities. Research suggests the gender-ratio imbalance as a contextual factor leading to increases in high-risk sexual behavior and subsequent increases in the rates of HIV infection among African American women. The current study examines correlates of consistent condom use among 213 single, heterosexual, African American women in the community, on probation, and incarcerated who believe it is difficult to find an eligible Black man. Results of this study reveal that drug-using women and incarcerated women were less likely to use condoms consistently. In addition, after controlling for drug use and criminal justice status, age emerged as significant. Specifically, older African American women were less likely to use condoms consistently. Community-level implications and targeted prevention efforts are discussed. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.