Sexual Partnerships, Risk Behaviors, and Condom Use Among Low-Income Heterosexual African Americans: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

The purpose of the current investigation was to contextualize the sexual relationships and risk behaviors of heterosexually active African Americans. A total of 38 participants (20 females and 18 males) aged 18–44 years were recruited in a large city in the southeastern U.S. to participate in focus group discussions exploring sexual partnerships, general condom perceptions, and condom negotiation. Results indicated that participants distinguished among at least three partner types–one-night stand, “regular” casual partner, and main partner. Partner types were found to shape and influence types of sexual behaviors, perceptions of risk and condom use, and condom negotiation. Participants also shared general perceptions about condoms and elucidated situations in which intentions to use condoms were not realized. Gender differences emerged in many of these areas. Implications of these findings are discussed and directions for future research on sexual partnerships and risk behavior are offered.

Trends in sexual risk behavior, HIV knowledge and testing among reproductive-aged women in Nigeria: DHS 2003-2013

“…This high prevalence of non-condom use amongst these women is a source of concern as they are at risk of being infected with HIV, having unwanted pregnancies and also having HIV-exposed babies if they become infected. This then highlights an urgent need to address this issue, more so, other studies have also noted high rates of non-condom use among women engaged in MSP [13][14][15]. The increase in MSP prevalence from Nigeria DHS 2008 to 2013, though not statistically significant, still heralds the call for interventions targeted at women of the reproductive age group.…”

African American Women and Sexually Transmitted Infections: The Contextual Influence of Unbalanced Sex Ratios and Individual Risk Behaviors

“…At the individual level, increasing awareness among African American women about risks associated with their selection of sexual partners and participation in unprotected sex is key (Woolf-king & Maisto, 2015). As such, it is critical for African American women to receive education on the known risk factors for contracting STIs based on partner characteristics including having a sexual relationship with a man who has a history of incarceration or being unfaithful/having concurrent partners (Noar et al, 2012; Senn et al, 2011). Moreover, it is important that African American women become more aware that they may be unwittingly engaging in unprotected sex with a partner they perceive as low risk (yet their perception may not be reality as the partner may be high risk) and engaging in unprotected sex with high risk partners increases the likelihood of contracting STIs (Aral et al, 2008).…”

Do young women engage in greater sexual risk behaviour with biological fathers of their children?: Table 1

“…Within these broader contexts, the partner relationship is highly relevant. Unique dynamics exist between mothers and the fathers of their children, giving rise to the term ‘baby daddy’ 3. Definitions are inconsistent and varied; while popular media often depicts individuals who are no longer involved, the limited research available suggests that these partners often maintain some level of relationship, ranging from occasional sexual activity to cohabitating partnerships.…”