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

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.