Title

Risk behavior, perceptions of HIV risk, and risk-reduction behavior among a small group of rural African American women who use drugs

Authors

Authors

E. J. Brown;M. Van Hook

Comments

Authors: contact us about adding a copy of your work at STARS@ucf.edu

Abbreviated Journal Title

J. Assoc. Nurses Aids Care

Keywords

CRACK COCAINE; INTERVENTION; NEEDS; Nursing

Abstract

HIV/AIDS is a health crisis for African Americans. African American women are exposed to HIV primarily through sexual behavior, which is an increased risk for women who use drugs. The study design was a mixed method consisting of an ethnography with ongoing participant observation and indepth interviews and a questionnaire. The purpose of the questionnaire component was to explore drug use, sexual behavior, health history, and perceptions. The questionnaire was administered at months 6 and 18. Data for this report were derived from the first questionnaire with 30 respondents. The majorityof respondents (82.7%) used polysubstances consisting of cocaine, marijuana, and alcohol. Between 33% and 50% exchanged sex for drugs or money, with less than half ever using condoms. About 37% perceived that they had no risk of acquiring HIV, whereas 52% perceived a 25% chance. The pattern of HIV testing in which 33% of the women were tested 10 times or more was unexpected because of the low perception of risk. The principal conclusion was that there is great need to intervene with prevention efforts targeting rural women who use drugs in an attempt to curb increasing rates of sexually transmitted infections including HIV.

Journal Title

Janac-Journal of the Association of Nurses in Aids Care

Volume

17

Issue/Number

5

Publication Date

1-1-2006

Document Type

Article

Language

English

First Page

42

Last Page

50

WOS Identifier

WOS:000241178300007

ISSN

1055-3290

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