Influence of risky male partners on African American adolescent females' HIV-associated risk behavior

Background: In comparison to other ethnic groups, African American adolescent females are at disproportionate risk for HIV infection. Engaging in sexual relationships with high-risk male partners may further exacerbate this risk. This study sought to explore the relationship between African American adolescent females reporting a risky male sex partner (male who has recently been incarcerated or has concurrent female sexual partners) and HIV-associated risk behaviors.

Methods: Data, inclusive of sociodemographics, psychosocial mediators, partner history, and self-reported sexual behaviors, were collected via ACASI from 715 African American adolescent females (ages 15-21 years) seeking services at reproductive health clinics. Data were obtained at baseline, prior to randomization and participation in an HIV prevention trial. Data analyses investigated group differences between adolescents with a risky male partner and those without a risky partner.

Results: Adolescents with risky male sex partners, relative to those without a risky male partner, reported having sex more often while high or drunk (p=.03), greater marijuana use (p<.01) and alcohol use (p=.02) in the past 60 days, more smoking (p<.01), and lack of school attendance (p=.04). Adolescents with risky male sex partners also reported greater fear of condom negotiation (p<.01).

Conclusion: Risk-taking behavior among African American adolescent females appears to be heavily influenced by their association with risky male sex partners. To reduce HIV-associated risk behaviors among this group, interventions should address partner-related factors, such as partner risk behaviors, which may impede ability to practice safer sex.