Assessing behavioral HIV risk factors among black women who report recent sex partners with a history of incarceration: Implications for targeted HIV prevention interventions

Background/Objectives

Little is known about Black women who report sexual partners with a history of incarceration, where rates of HIV are estimated to be 14 times higher than the general population (Mauer, July 2007). This analysis examines demographic characteristics, HIV-related behavioral risk factors, and perceptions of risk of black women reporting incarcerated partners.

Methods

Women (903) living in the District of Columbia, Oakland, California and Jackson, Mississippi were recruited to complete an Audio Computer-Assisted Self Interview (ACASI) assessing demographic, HIV behavioral risk factors and perceptions of risk. Data were reviewed for those women reporting sexual partners with a history of incarceration and those who did not.

Results

Overall, 22 % of the participants reported having sexual partners with a history of incarceration. They were more likely to be unemployed (p=.034), earn less income annually (p=.032), and to have injected drugs, used crack cocaine, had sex with someone with an STD, had an STD, had sex with someone who injected drugs, and exchanged sex (p<0.0001) in the previous 3-months. Further, participants reporting inconsistent condom use (53.8%), were more likely to perceive themselves to be at greater risk (p<0.0001) and to have been screened for HIV (p=.013).

Conclusions/Implications

Women reporting sexual partners with a history of incarceration were significantly more likely to engage in high risk behaviors, understand their risk, screen more often, yet report inconsistent condom use. Effective outreach efforts to the sexual networks of incarcerated populations, and targeted prevention efforts are implied.