Structural and social contexts of HIV risk Among African Americans

Am J Public Health. 2009 Jun;99(6):1002-8. doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2008.140327. Epub 2009 Apr 16.

Abstract

HIV continues to be transmitted at unacceptably high rates among African Americans, and most HIV-prevention interventions have focused on behavioral change. To theorize additional approaches to HIV prevention among African Americans, we discuss how sexual networks and drug-injection networks are as important as behavior for HIV transmission. We also describe how higher-order social structures and processes, such as residential racial segregation and racialized policing, may help shape risk networks and behaviors. We then discuss 3 themes in African American culture-survival, propriety, and struggle-that also help shape networks and behaviors. Finally, we conclude with a discussion of how these perspectives might help reduce HIV transmission among African Americans.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Black or African American / psychology*
  • Cultural Characteristics
  • Female
  • HIV Infections / ethnology*
  • HIV Infections / prevention & control
  • HIV Infections / transmission
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
  • Health Status Disparities
  • Healthcare Disparities
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Prejudice
  • Risk-Taking
  • Sexual Behavior / ethnology
  • Sexual Behavior / psychology
  • Social Support
  • United States