The Paradox of Risk: Historically Black College/University Students and Sexual Health

Abstract

Objective This literature review provides an analysis of the current state of the empirical research on sexual health among students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Methods Several electronic databases were used to identify twenty-four empirical studies that met criteria for inclusion in this review. Results The results indicated that perceived HIV risk, religiosity, HIV testing, condom use, and substance use were as high or higher for Black HBCU students in comparison to students of other racial/ ethnic groups. Comment Consistent with past findings, sexually transmitted infections continue to be of concern among HBCU students, as seen in the general Black population. Limitations This review only examined cross-sectional studies published between 2000 and 2013. Conclusions: The findings in this review suggest the importance of moving beyond individual risk models to examining structural barriers and assets related to promoting sexual health on HBCU campuses.

Relationship intentions, race, and gender: Student differences in condom use during hookups involving vaginal sex

“…It is possible that the unique sociocultural setting of HBCU campuses -where Black students are the majority -could influence Black students' sexual behaviors and decision making. 41,59 Considering this, intersectional research on differences in condom use among Black and White collegiate men and women is needed. For example, young Black women bear the status of being both Black and female and are currently overrepresented in the STI epidemic.…”

Factors Influencing Dating Experiences Among African American Emerging Adults

“…In a recent review of sexual health among HBCU students, Younge, Corneille, Lyde, and Cannady (2013) report that few studies provide lived experiences of HBCU students as it relates to relationship and sociocultural factors. More studies need to explore the extent to which these, and other variables, have been incorporated within current sexual health and/or STI/HIV prevention programs on HBCU campuses.…”

Managing Hypervisibility in the HIV Prevention Information‐Seeking Practices of Black Female College Students

“…This surge of new infections, especially among Black youth, was perhaps best illustrated by a concentrated outbreak in North Carolina (Thompson‐Robinson et al, ). In trying to find causes for the surge in infections, researchers gathered data from one of the sources where there is a large concentration of Black youth—students at HBCUs (Sutton et al, ; Younge, Corneille, Lyde, & Cannady, ). These research findings highlight the importance of health literacy education at colleges to improve HIV knowledge and prevention.…”