The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #62400

P. Bassey Williams, PhD, CHES¹, Mian B. Hossain, MSC, MHS, PhD², Olugbemiga Ekundayo, MD³, Olugbemiga Ekundayo, MD, MPH³, and Ifeyinwa E. Udezulu, PhD⁴. (1) MPH/DrPH Public Health Program, Morgan State University, 343 Jenkins Building, 1700 Cold Spring Lane, Baltimore, MD 21251-0001, (2) MPH/DrPH Public Health Program, Morgan State University, 343 Jenkins Building, 1700 E. Cold Spring Lane, Baltimore, MD 21251-0001, 443-885-4132, mbhossain@.morgan.edu, (3) Department of Public Health, Morgan State University, 343 Jenkins Building, 1700 E. Cold Spring Lane, Baltimore, MD 21251-0001, (4) Department of Political Science & Public Policy, Delaware State University, 1200 Dupont Highway, Dover, DE 19901-2277

Background: In research analyses, various instruments are used to identify and quantify variables, while measuring the dynamics of interactions and relationships between these variables. However, problems with more accurate assessments have been encountered in determining the precise nature of responses and their weights, with respect to response stratification and discrimination. HIV/AIDS attitude and behavior among individuals cannot be precisely determined with one factor but by a combination of factors. The purpose of this research was to determine weight of responses of inner-city African-American women on variables of HIV/AIDS risk factors using Latent class Analysis. Data for this study were collected from 449 African-American female respondents in the inner-cities of Baltimore and Dover. Latent class analysis was used to calibrate responses in a cross-sectional convenience sample survey of the urban women, aged 15–60 years using an AKFBQ questionnaire. The LCA was also used to assess the HIV/AIDS attitude and behavior of the urban women. Data analysis revealed that some variables were important in explaining the differences in HIV/AIDS knowledge levels, attitude and behavior of the subjects. Results also indicated that some variables could not explain the discrepancies in the level of HIV/AIDS knowledge, attitude and behavior among urban African American women. Further analyses should provide insight into behavioral differences and possible causal factors to HIV transmission and level of spread among African-American women inner-city communities.

Learning Objectives:

• At the end of this session, participants will be able to: determine factors repsponsible the poor health attitude and high-risk sexual behaviors of African-American women inner-city dwellers.

Keywords: Ethnic Minorities, Health Behavior

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.