Effects of long-term partner incarceration on sexual relationships of drug-using African-American women

Background: In the USA, where 4.8% of African-American men are incarcerated, a disproportionate number of African-American women lose their primary partners to incarceration. While research has been conducted on partner incarceration and African-American women's vulnerability to sexually transmitted-HIV, these studies have yet to include drug-using African-American women. This study explores the effects of long-term incarceration of a male sexual partner on drug-using African-American women's sexual relationships. Methods: We recruited 15 drug-using African-American women whose primary male partner had recently been incarcerated into this longitudinal qualitative study. Four waves of one-on-one semi-structured interviews were conducted over a year to explore changes over time. Data covering domains related to drug-use, sexual behaviors, and romantic relationships were analyzed using grounded theory methods. Results: Preliminary analyses suggest that partner incarceration influences women's sexual behaviors. After their partners were incarcerated, some women continued to use drugs and established new sexual relationships to support their use. The powerful need to obtain drugs impaired their ability to negotiate condom use. Women whose drug use ceased after their partners were incarcerated remained sexually abstinent because of their emotional connection with their partner. These women sought opportunities to get their “life on track”, often by seeking drug treatment and employment. Discussion: If further analysis supports these preliminary findings then the post-incarceration period is an important time for women to have access to drug treatment and interventions that reduce the harms of drug-use and sexual partnerships.