Sexual partnerships, risk behaviors, and condom use among low-income heterosexual African Americans: A qualitative study

摘要

Thepurpose of the current investigationwas to contextualize the sexual relationships and risk behaviors of heterosexually activeAfricanAmericans.Atotal of38participants (20 females and 18males) aged 18-44 yearswere recruited in a large city in the southeastern U.S. to participate in focus group discussions exploring sexual partnerships, general condomperceptions, 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 inmany of these areas. Implications of thesefindingsarediscussedanddirections for future researchonsexual partnerships and risk behavior are offered.