Sexual regrets, sexual freedom: The intersection of class, race, culture and HIV vulnerability among Black and Latina women

Background: Sexual encounters are the leading cause of HIV infection in women globally. Debate continues regarding the relative contributions of class, culture, and race to the vulnerability equation. The role of sexual regrets and desire for sexual freedom are also key. Disentangling these factors is critical to improving prevention efforts. Methods: Sexually active Black and Latina women of lower and higher social classes, aged 18+ were recruited for a longitudinal study using targeted, respondent-driven, and quota sampling. Mixed-method data collection included qualitative interview regarding relationship experiences, audio-computer-assisted self interview for sexual behaviors, employment experiences, and other economic and social/cultural scales, and social mapping for describing neighborhood resources and frequency of their use. Analyses are restricted to baseline data. Results: 506 women participated (265 Black, 234 Latina). Sexual regrets included accounts of first sex experience, risk, coercion and experimentation. One in five women reported having concurrent sex partners beyond main partner. Lower income Black women reported significantly more male partners (.01), and 50% had concurrent non-main partners. Higher income Latina women reported fewer male partners and higher condom use. Conclusions: Cultural stereotypes do not hold when role of class, race and ethnicity are considered. Economic or higher social class resources alone may not reduce womenxs vulnerability. Womenxs sexuality may be expanding beyond gender tradition. Womenxs own views of class, sexual freedom and history of sexual regrets must be incorporated into innovative prevention programs to insure womenxs ability to protect themselves and their partners from HIV.