Breaking the Silence: Interpreting African-Born Women's Knowledge about HIV and Concurrency. Issue 2 (6th March 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tecle, Aster Solomon; Andrasik, Michele
• Is Part Of: Health & social work. Volume 40:Issue 2(2015)
• Page Start: e32
• Page End: e41
• Publication Date: 2015-03-06
• Subjects: African-born women -- HIV and concurrency -- HIV education and information -- sociocultural practices; Medical social work -- Periodicals; Medical social work -- United States -- Periodicals; Medical care -- Periodicals; 362.10425
• DOI: 10.1093/hsw/hlv014
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0360-7283

Abstract

Abstract : This article focuses on African-born women's knowledge of HIV and multiple sexual relationships. Data were drawn from a study with the black community in Washington State that aimed to develop HIV prevention and concurrency messaging. This article is based on secondary data collected in key informant interviews ( n = 8) and three focus groups ( n = 13) with African-born women ( N = 21) in Seattle and King County, Washington. Thematic data analysis was used for analysis. Three predominant themes for African-born women were (1) lack of knowledge or awareness of HIV prevalence and its intersection with concurrency; (2) ambivalent silence as a reaction to concurrency; and (3) gender differences in perceptions of concurrency. African-born women perceived HIV as a problem in Africa and not in the United States. The second theme illustrated sociocultural pressures on women that silence them from voicing their concerns about partners' concurrent relationships and their risks of HIV infection. Gender differences in perceptions of concurrent practices favoring men were also highlighted. Results suggest a need for prevention interventions promoting sexual health communication among African-born women and their communities and culturally appropriate education. These components may be critical for breaking the silence and improving HIV prevention interventions.