Background: HIV infection disproportionately affects African American women in the United States. While AIDS and HIV infection data document high rates, little information is available about risk behaviors and life situations that may place some young women at higher risk for HIV/STD infection. Methods: African American women ages 15 to 24 were recruited from 3 family planning clinics in Dallas. Over 300 participants answered an interviewer-administered survey and allowed access to their medical records for the results of routine STD tests. All participants received HIV/STD risk-reduction counseling. Positive STD results were considered surrogate markers for increased risk of HIV infection. Results: At enrollment, 19% of the participants were STD positive and 39% reported a history of one or more STDs. Infection rates were highest among women ages 15-18 (28%). Eighty percent of participants reported having a previous HIV test and the median number of lifetime sex partners was three. Runaway behavior, domestic violence and history of an STD were among life situations associated with increased risk taking. Additional sex partner, behavioral and psychosocial findings will be shared in this presentation. Discussion: In this group of African American women, many reported an STD history and HIV testing experience. In spite of low numbers of lifetime partners, almost one in five women were currently positive for an STD. These findings support the idea that young African American women remain at high risk for HIV infection. Tailored interventions delivered at earlier ages will be necessary to limit the HIV epidemic in this population.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participants will be able to: 1. Assess the association of STDs with current and past sociodemographic characteristics, sexual and drug-use behaviors, and psychosocial factors. 2. Identify specific factors most strongly associated with STD infection and high risk behaviors. 3. Suggest uses of this information to develop new intervention strategies, and evaluate existing prevention and education efforts that target this population.
Keywords: African American, Women and HIV/AIDS
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.