Addressing sexually transmitted infections in the sociocultural context of black heterosexual relationships in the United States.

RATIONALE

Black girls and women are disproportionately affected by sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS). Research shows sexual networks, sexual concurrency, and assortative mixing impacting racial disparities in STI/HIV. However, the underlying sociocultural conditions of these phenomenon have yet to be fully explored within a framework of Black girls' and women's sexual development.

OBJECTIVE

This grounded theory study investigated the sociocultural conditions and processes of becoming a sexual Black woman in order to understand the sociocultural drivers of STI/HIV rates among this group.

METHOD

We used theoretical sampling to select and interview 20 Black women aged 19-62 years old from a Midwestern community.

RESULTS

This study revealed sociocultural conditions related to Black heterosexual relationships and STI/HIV risk. Protecting Black men, silencing Black girls and women, cultural norms and messaging about sexuality, and gendered societal expectations and sexual stereotypes contribute to STI/HIV risk in Black girls and women.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings demonstrate how the intersection of social and systemic structures (i.e.,history, incarceration, unemployment) shape the context of Black heterosexual relationships. We suggest STI/HIV prevention efforts address these systemic, cultural, and societal factors in order to effectively reduce racial disparities in STI/HIV risk.