Examining psychosocial factors and intent to use prep as an HIV prevention strategy among African American women in the southern United States

HIV/AIDS rates continue to be worst among African Americans (AA) compared to other racial and ethnic groups. In particular, African American women are more impacted than any other group. The primary mode of transmission among AA women is high risk heterosexual contact. In 2010, AA women accounted for 87 percent of new HIV infections from heterosexual sex (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2012). Since the discovery of the epidemic in the United States, HIV prevention strategies have been implemented with documented success. Programs such as increasing awareness about HIV/AIDS, proper and consistent condom use, and decreasing high risk sexual behaviors have all been proven effective in decreasing HIV transmission. However, that success has not been realized among AA women. Literature suggests that a major reason for increased HIV rates within the AA female population is the impact of psychosocial factors and low HIV risk perception. AA women do not perceive themselves to be at increased risk for contracting HIV. This low perception of risk can lead to a false sense of security and a decreased belief that protection from HIV is required. Therefore, in an effort to develop future HIV prevention programs that would be effective among AA females, it is critical that psychosocial factors, such as perceived risks, and the impact they have on sexual health and sexual decision making are understood.</