Sexual decision-making among Louisiana African-American women in the era of HIV/AIDS
Description
African-American women are disproportionately represented in the HIV/AIDS statistics in the south. This phenomenological research study explored and describes the sexual decision-making experiences of nine Louisiana African-American women ages 25--44. The research questions focused on the decision-making process with a new male sex partner. Participants retrospectively shared their lived experiences in the previous 12 months supported by Black Women's Standpoint Theory Semi-structured interviews were conducted with questions designed to uncover the complexity of the decision-making processes. Definitions of sexual intimacy, the role of spirituality, and the concept of connectedness were also explored along with the emotional and physiological feelings, meanings, and thoughts associated with their sexual decision-making experiences. Themes were identified through data triangulation as follows: the decision to have sexual intercourse, considerations involved in sexual decision-making, perceived risks for HIV/AIDS infection, and factors prompting safer-sex behaviors. Other considerations related to sense of self, the role of socialization, physical and emotional expectations, influence of alcohol, and condom use are discussed. The data supports inconsistent or no condom use during sexual intercourse with a man whose HIV status was unknown placing more than 50% of the women at high risk for HIV infection. HIV risks were higher among the women with minimal or no consistent spirituality and a diminished sense of connectedness to family and friends. Implications for HIV prevention, social work research, practice, and education are discussed