The sociocognitive determinates of HIV/AIDS prevention behaviors among baby boomers

Abstract

HIV is steadily increasing among the Baby Boom population. Among this population, there is a gap between knowledge and behavioral choices. HIV risk perception is multifaceted and shaped by different socio-demographic factors. Baby Boomer's perception of risk and socio-cognitive determinates that impact their decision to practice safe sex was examined using a correlational study design. A hierarchical multiple linear regression (HMLR) model from 48 participants aged 50-70 living in the South revealed that level of education, AIDS prevention behavioral skills, and HIV prevention information predicted the intent to practice safe sex. Findings account for 58.3% of total amount of the variance explained by the two model predictors. The results are consistent with findings in the literature that suggest older adults who have more HIV prevention information and behavioral skills are more inclined to practice safe sex.

“I Don’t Know and I Don’t Want to Know”: A Qualitative Examination of Older African American Women’s Knowledge and Experiences With HIV

“…These include insufficient communication with partners about protective sex and condom use, lack of perceived vulnerability, insufficient patient/provider communication, and education and socioenvironmental determinants including poverty and unstable housing (Durvasula, 2014; Edwards & Collins, 2014; Roberson, 2017). However, the focus of the current study is HIV knowledge, as it is known to influence perceptions of vulnerability, sexual communication, condom use, and HIV testing (Haynes, 2016).…”

“…HIV knowledge consists of multiple individual components, including knowledge of HIV prevalence, transmission, risk factors, testing, and treatment (Carey & Schroder, 2002). Knowledge of HIV transmission is associated with fewer sexual risk behaviors and sexually transmitted infections (Haynes, 2016; Voisin, Tan, & DiClemente, 2013; Wingood et al, 2004; Younge, Salem, & Bybee, 2010). In 2009, Nobles, Goddard, and Gilbert implemented an intervention to decrease sexual risk among African American women, and found that decreased sexual risk was accompanied by increased knowledge of HIV.…”

“…In 2009, Nobles, Goddard, and Gilbert implemented an intervention to decrease sexual risk among African American women, and found that decreased sexual risk was accompanied by increased knowledge of HIV. Knowledge about HIV has also been demonstrated to increase instances of HIV testing, condom use, and practicing safer sex among older individuals (Haynes, 2016).…”

“…Cultural and contextual factors unique to older African American women contribute to HIV risk and underscore the need for education and prevention activities for this group. Yet, many older African American women do not have adequate knowledge to reduce HIV risk despite findings that increases in HIV knowledge lead to decreases in HIV risk (Haynes, 2016). The heightened risk of HIV among this group brings attention to the need for research on older African American women's knowledge of and experiences around HIV.…”

Determinants of Risky Sexual Behaviors in an HBCU Community

“…Unique sociocultural factors, including a lack of HIV knowledge and stigma, contribute to HIV risk among older African American women (2018). Similarly, Haynes [12] noted that cultural and contextual factors unique to older African American women contribute to HIV risk and underscore the need for education and prevention activities for this group. The heightened risk of HIV among African American communities brings attention to the need for research on older and younger African American women's knowledge of and experiences around HIV.…”