Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #116076

Tomi Akinyemiju, BSc, Department of Epidemiology, Michigan State University, B601 West Fee Hall, East Lansing, MI 48823, 517-353-2239, akinyemj@msu.edu and Sinead Younge, MA, Department of Community Psychology, Michigan State University, 018 Psychology Building, East Lansing, MI 48823.

Recent HIV literature shows a strong correlation between social economic status and increased risk of HIV/AIDS (McFarland, 2003; Hargreaves, 2002). This correlation is especially evident in the rising incidence rates in low-income African, African American, and Latino individuals. Currently in the United States, between 850,000 and 950,000 people are living with HIV. African Americans account for 12% of the total population, yet constitute the majority of all HIV/AIDS cases (54%). This makes African Americans approximately eight times more likely than Whites to be infected with HIV/AIDS. Among women, African Americans alone account for 64% of all the new infections each year. In order to prevent and reduce HIV transmission we must understand the aspects of sexual relationships that facilitate or inhibit HIV protective behaviors in the African American population, especially in the low SES community. This study aims at understanding the social, cultural and economic dynamics that affect HIV transmission. To do this, we conducted a cross sectional survey of low SES African American women (n=200) at least 18 years of age. We hypothesize that low SES African American women in serious, casual, monogamous or open relationships and whose financial expenses are tied to their partner's are less likely to negotiate condom use with their partners. Questionnaires were administered in an interview and include measures of interpersonal power in relationships, finances, HIV knowledge, HIV risk behaviors and condom use. Currently, data is being collected and entered into a spreadsheet for analysis.

Learning Objectives:

• At the conclusion of this presentation, participants will be able to identify the effect of financial dependence on partners on condom use negotiation in low SES African American women. They will also be able to recognize the need for empowering low SES women in making financial decisions as well as in condom use negotiation.This study assesses the needs of low SES African Americans with regards to personal autonomy in making sexual decisions.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.