Risky Sexual Behaviors Among African-Americans

The major purpose of this book is to examine the interrelationships among knowledge about the transmission of HIV/AIDS, condom use, drug use, history of sexually transmitted diseases, and other relevant factors that affect African-American males and females who engage in risky sexual behaviors. Another aim is to describe how these factors are differentially related to gender and the perceived susceptibility of being exposed to the AIDS virus and testing positive for AIDS. Data has been gathered from a young adult sample of African-American males and females. Information is presented in a readily accessible manner so the reader can understand the variability of risky sexual behaviors. The author offers factual information to draw conclusions that can be used to develop HIV/AIDS prevention programs specifically tailored for the African-American community.

The first chapter provides an introduction, rationale, and overview of the study. Basic information about the prevalence of AIDS among various African-American populations are presented. Then, Johnson describes information about the subjects, measures of sexual behaviors, drug use, attitudes about the use of condoms, knowledge about AIDS, and perceived susceptibility of being exposed to HIV/AIDS. Next, Johnson describes the sexual attitudes and behaviors of African-American males and females who are currently involved with multiple partners and those who have been previously treated for sexually transmitted diseases. He then describes the characteristics of African-Americans with HIV/AIDS. The epilogue summarizes the major findings and presents suggestions for AIDS prevention activities for African-American young adults.