SIXTY AND SEXY: FACTORS INFLUENCING HIV RISK-TAKING BEHAVIORS AMONG OLDER AFRICAN-AMERICAN WOMEN

Abstract

Despite myths and stereotypes, many older women are sexually active. Among older African American women, rates are increasing for newly-diagnosed HIV infection, for those living with HIV and for HIV/AIDS-related mortality. While African American women represent only 14% of the U.S. female population, they account for nearly two-thirds of all new HIV infections in women and for over half with AIDS. Although many health promotion/disease prevention (HP/DP) efforts are directed toward HIV risk-reduction for younger African-American women, less notice is directed toward their sexually active, older counterparts. Yet, the primary mode of transmission for both is high risk heterosexual exposure. Does a one-size-fits-all prevention approach work for all African American women? Or, is it necessary to customize interventions for older African-American women because of unique factors influencing their risky sexual behaviors? This inquiry explored whether early gender socialization and the establishment of gender norms and roles in a very different social era impact their current risk-taking sexual behaviors. Surveys and focus groups were used to elicit values, beliefs, attitudes, gender role expectations and knowledge in relationship to high risk sexual behaviors. The results highlighted the need to tailor HIV prevention interventions that are socially- and culturally-relevant and appropriate for the priority population of older African American women. The resulting intervention design takes into account overcoming long-held gender roles/norms and positively impacts their knowledge, attitudes and behaviors that in turn empowers them to protect their health, practice healthy sexual behaviors and to improve their overall quality of life.