Sexual Health Communication Among Young Black Women and Their Social Network Members

Characteristics of Individuals Seen as Sources of Social Support in Populations at Increased Risk for HIV

Access to social support from one's social network can serve as a protective factor against HIV infection; however, research exploring the availability of support in diverse populations that include high proportions of people at increased risk for HIV and the characteristics of network members associated with access to such support is limited. Multi-level dyadic analyses of social network data collected from women at risk for HIV and their network members reveal which individual and relationship characteristics of network members are associated with providing emotional, material, and/or health informational support. Results indicate that access to all three types of support was associated with a network member being a friend, a member of a participant's 'core' group, someone whose opinion matters to the respondent, and the respondent trusting them. These findings have implications for interventions designed to increase access to support among individuals at risk for HIV.

Patient-provider communication quality as a predictor of medical mistrust among young Black women

The present study explores the association between patient-provider communication quality and medical mistrust in a sample of 174 young Black women, aged 18-24. Data were collected as part of a larger mixed-methods study examining sexual health communication and behaviors. Participants were recruited via non-probabilistic sampling methods between June 2018 and December 2018. Eligible respondents completed a self-administered online study that examined, among other components, healthcare experiences and medical mistrust. Hierarchical linear regression was used to explore the relationship between patient-provider communication quality and medical mistrust. Patient-provider communication quality was a significant predictor of medical mistrust; as communication quality increased, medical mistrust decreased (p < .001). Educational attainment also emerged as a significant predictor. Relative to not completing any college, completing some college was associated with lower medical mistrust (p= .031). Our findings suggest that for providers seeking to address medical mistrust in patients identifying as young Black women, focusing on patient-centered communication may be particularly impactful.

Perceptions of Health Among Black Women in Emerging Adulthood: Alignment With a Health at Every Size Perspective

OBJECTIVE

To explore the health perceptions of Black women in emerging adulthood and the degree to which perceptions align with core Health at Every Size (HAES) principles.

DESIGN

Semistructured interviews with Black women in emerging adulthood. Data were collected between June and July 2018 as part of a larger, mixed-methods study.

SETTING

Southern California.

PARTICIPANTS

Forty-one Black women aged 18-24 years were recruited via a combination of convenience and respondent-drive sampling.

PHENOMENON OF INTEREST

Health perceptions of young Black women and alignment with core HAES principles.

ANALYSIS

Data were analyzed using principles of inductive thematic analysis. Following analysis, data were further interpreted within the HAES framework.

RESULTS

Participants' insights resulted in 3 main themes: (1) health is multidimensional, (2) good health means taking care of yourself, and (3) systemic and environmental disparities affect Black women's health. These themes reflect 3 HAES principles of health enhancement, weight inclusivity, and eating for well-being.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Findings provide preliminary support for aligning HAES principles and perceptions and health for Black women in emerging adulthood. Prioritizing holistic well-being, attention to individualized health needs and access to needed information and resources in efforts to improve health outcomes among members of this demographic may be promising.

Associations of Social Network- and Individual-Level Factors with HIV Testing, Condom Use, and Interest in PrEP Among Young Black Women

To achieve the 2030 goal of ending the HIV epidemic, we must consider social network- along with individual-level factors related to HIV prevention among young Black women (YBW). This cross-sectional study examined egocentric social network- and individual-level data of 180 YBW aged 18-24. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to study social network characteristics and individual sexual behaviors related to HIV prevention behaviors (e.g., HIV testing, condom use, and interest in preexposure prophylaxis, or PrEP). On average, YBW nominated 11 social network members (SNMs; seven friends, two family members, and one sex partner). About 92% of YBW spoke to at least one SNM about condom use and 58% spoke to at least one SNM about HIV testing. Respondents who spoke to a sex partner about condom use had 70% lower odds of being interested in PrEP, but 2.99 times the odds of reporting condom use during last sex. Odds of being tested for HIV in the prior 3 months were significantly increased by 3.97 times for those who spoke to at least one sex partner about HIV testing. However, odds of being interested in PrEP were significantly decreased by 63% for YBW who were tested for HIV in the prior 3 months. Findings underscore that understanding network- and individual-level factors is crucial in increasing HIV testing, condom use, and interest in PrEP among YBW.

Associations in preventive sexual health service utilization and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) interest among young Black women in the United States, 2018

Despite declines in HIV prevalence among all U.S. women, HIV remains a serious concern for Black women. PrEP is an effective biomedical intervention and has high acceptability among Black women. Therefore, offering PrEP, in addition to screening and testing for STI/HIV consistently, can reduce HIV risk among this population. We examine the associations of preventive sexual health service utilization (PSHSU) and PrEP interest among young Black women (YBW) (N = 209) in the United States in 2018. YBW, ages 18-25, completed a self-administered questionnaire, assessing sexual risk and prevention behaviors, HIV/STI testing, and PrEP interest. More than half of YBW were aware of PrEP and its benefits. YBW, who received an HIV test within the past three to six months, had higher odds of PrEP interest. The proportion of YBW who reported being interested in PrEP did not differ by PSHSU. Active contraceptive use was associated with PrEP interest. The results suggest YBW engage in preventive sexual health services, including HIV/STI testing, reproductive health, and sexual health behavioral counseling. Additional efforts should be made to normalize PrEP education for heterosexual, cisgender women at student health centers on college and university campuses, and other venues outside of traditional HIV/STI testing facilities.