Cultural and societal beliefs towards gender and sex among African Americans – How HBCU males and females perceive these values differently

Significance: HIV/AIDS continue to disproportionately affect African Americans. Purpose: This study examines salient cultural and societal beliefs towards gender and sex among African American young adults and the interplay by gender. Methods: A comprehensive literature review and inputs from HIV experts were sought to identify salient cultural beliefs. An online survey was conducted among students attending selected HBCUs in southeastern U.S. (valid n=372). Results: A 14-item assessment tool was developed. Significant differences were found by gender. HBCU males were more likely to agree that “women my age need to have sex with men if they expect the men to stick around”; “if my partner didn't want to have sex, I could easily find someone else”; “women should put men's needs over their own”; and “young men should get as much sexual experience as possible so they will be accepted by their peers”. Interestingly, HBCU males were more likely to agree not only “it's ok for men to have multiple sexual partners”, but also ok that women have multiple partners. On the other hand, although HBCU males thought “Men usually decide if condoms will be used”; HBCU females tended to think “safe sex is a woman's responsibility”. Conclusions: Study showed distinct belief systems among HBCU males and females. These perceptions are likely deeply rooted, resulting from unique structural factors and cultural values, and influential on how sex is valued or expected. Lessons leaned have implication on developing cultural-sensitive HIV preventive messages and interventions among African American young adults.