BACKGROUND: Women who have been in prison carry a greater lifetime risk of HIV for reasons that are not well understood. This effect is amplified in the Southeastern United States, where HIV incidence and prevalence is especially high among African-American (AA) women. The role of consensual sexual partnerships in the context of HIV risk, especially same-sex partnerships, merits further exploration. METHODS: We conducted digitally recorded qualitative interviews with 29 AA women (15 HIV positive, 14 HIV negative) within 3 months after entry into the state prison system. We explored potential pre-incarceration HIV risk factors, including personal sexual practices. Two researchers thematically coded interview transcripts and a consensus committee reviewed coding. RESULTS: Women reported complex sexual risk profiles during the 6 months before incarceration, including sex with women as well as prior sexual partnerships with both men and women. Condom use with primary male partners was low and a history of transactional sex work was prevalent. These behaviors were linked with substance use, particularly among HIV-positive women. CONCLUSIONS: Although women may not formally identify as bisexual or lesbian, sex with women was an important component of this cohort's sexuality. Addressing condom use, heterogeneity of sexual practices, and partner concurrency among at-risk women should be considered for reducing HIV acquisition and preventing forward transmission in women with a history of incarceration.
BACKGROUND:Women who have been in prison carry a greater lifetime risk of HIV for reasons that are not well understood. This effect is amplified in the Southeastern United States, where HIV incidence and prevalence is especially high among African-American (AA) women. The role of consensual sexual partnerships in the context of HIV risk, especially same-sex partnerships, merits further exploration. METHODS: We conducted digitally recorded qualitative interviews with 29 AA women (15 HIV positive, 14 HIV negative) within 3 months after entry into the state prison system. We explored potential pre-incarceration HIV risk factors, including personal sexual practices. Two researchers thematically coded interview transcripts and a consensus committee reviewed coding. RESULTS:Women reported complex sexual risk profiles during the 6 months before incarceration, including sex with women as well as prior sexual partnerships with both men and women. Condom use with primary male partners was low and a history of transactional sex work was prevalent. These behaviors were linked with substance use, particularly among HIV-positive women. CONCLUSIONS: Although women may not formally identify as bisexual or lesbian, sex with women was an important component of this cohort's sexuality. Addressing condom use, heterogeneity of sexual practices, and partner concurrency among at-risk women should be considered for reducing HIV acquisition and preventing forward transmission in women with a history of incarceration.
Authors: Kelsey B Loeliger; Mary L Biggs; Rebekah Young; David W Seal; Curt G Beckwith; Irene Kuo; Michael S Gordon; Frederick L Altice; Lawrence J Ouellet; William E Cunningham; Jeremy D Young; Sandra A Springer Journal: AIDS Behav Date: 2017-10
Authors: Sabriya L Linton; Don C Des Jarlais; Joseph T Ornstein; Matt Kasman; Ross Hammond; Behzad Kianian; Justin C Smith; Mary E Wolfe; Zev Ross; Danielle German; Colin Flynn; Henry F Raymond; R Monina Klevens; Emma Spencer; John-Mark Schacht; Teresa Finlayson; Gabriela Paz-Bailey; Cyprian Wejnert; Hannah L F Cooper Journal: Int J Drug Policy Date: 2021-03-31
Authors: Andrea K Knittel; Bonnie E Shook-Sa; Jacqueline Rudolph; Andrew Edmonds; Catalina Ramirez; Mardge Cohen; Adebola Adedimeji; Tonya Taylor; Katherine G Michel; Joel Milam; Jennifer Cohen; Jessica Donohue; Antonina Foster; Margaret Fischl; Deborah Konkle-Parker; Adaora A Adimora Journal: Am J Public Health Date: 2020-01 Impact factor: 11.561
Authors: R Monarca; G Madeddu; R Ranieri; S Carbonara; G Leo; M Sardo; F Choroma; S Casari; D Marri; A A Muredda; F A Nava; S Babudieri Journal: BMC Infect Dis Date: 2015-12-10 Impact factor: 3.090