An assessment of sexual risk among HIV negative women tested in an emergency department setting

Background: The existing literature is saturated with data suggesting “risky sexual behaviors” could lead to a positive HIV status. Research findings detailing normative behaviors of sexually active, HIV negative women are absent.

Objective: This study was designed to fill the gap in knowledge by assessing the sexual risk taking behaviors of HIV negative women.

Methods: A semi-validated survey was given to 18 women, aged 18-49 years, presenting to the emergency department for non-emergent health conditions. All participants were tested for HIV. Negative results were confirmed by patient health records.

Results: A frequency analysis confirmed behavioral norms strongly associated with a negative HIV status among these women included practicing protected sex, having low number of sex partners, choosing low-risk partners, possessing a strong knowledge of HIV transmission and being self-conscious when deciding to have sex.

Conclusion: Our study was the first to identify behavioral norms among HIV negative women in our community. Our research findings validate the influence of “risky sexual behaviors” on HIV status, as stated in the literature. Prevention efforts benefit from knowing behavioral norms of the HIV negative community, as such knowledge empowers community members sustain a HIV negative status.