Sexual Practices and HIV Risk Behaviors Among African American Female Partners of Sex-Trading Men Who Have Sex With Men and Women: A Descriptive Analysis

African American women continue to be disproportionately burdened by HIV and AIDS. An important determinant of the risk of transmission lies in the characteristics of sexual partnerships. The current study explores the sexual risk behaviors of a vulnerable population subgroup of African American women who engage in sexual partnerships with men who are sex traders and have sex with both men and women. The sample was 106 adult African American women. Data regarding sociodemographics, drug-using behavior, sexual practices, HIV and sexually transmitted infections, and health-seeking behaviors were analyzed. Nearly 90% of participants reported unprotected vaginal sex and using crack cocaine in the previous 3 months. The recent use of heroin was significantly associated with diminished condom use. A clear majority of the participants did not know their HIV status. This study is the first to examine and document shared structural and behavioral risk profiles of this population.