HIV-associated histories, perceptions, and practices among low-income African American women: does rural residence matter?

摘要

OBJECTIVES: This study compared HIV-associated sexual health history, risk perceptions, and sexual risk behaviors of low-income rural and nonrural African American women. METHODS: A cross-sectional statewide survey of African American women (n = 571) attending federally funded Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children clinics was conducted. RESULTS: Adjusted analyses indicated that rural women were more likely to report not being counseled about HIV during pregnancy (P =.001), that a sex partner had not been tested for HIV (P =.005), no preferred method of prevention because they did not worry about sexually transmitted diseases (P =.02), not using condoms (P =.009), and a belief that their partner was HIV negative, despite lack of testing (P =.04). CONCLUSIONS: This study provided initial evidence that low-income rural African American women are an important population for HIV prevention programs.