HIV/STI prevention among heterosexually active Black adolescents with mental illnesses: Focus group findings for intervention development

Heterosexually active Black adolescents with mental illnesses are at increased risk for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV. However, few HIV/STI prevention interventions exist for this demographic. We held 7 focus groups (N = 33) to elucidate social, cultural, and psychological factors that influence HIV/STI risk-related sexual behaviors in this understudied population. Seven themes emerged: (a) Blackness and media portrayals, (b) Blackness as a source of cultural resilience and pride, (c) psychosocial determinants of condom use, (d) consequences of engaging in sexual activity, (e) attitudes and beliefs toward sexual behaviors, (f) benefits of sexual activity, and (g) coping mechanisms.

Source: Journal of the Association of Nurses in AIDS Care - September 27, 2017 Category: Nursing Authors: Bridgette M. Brawner, Loretta Sweet Jemmott, Gina Wingood, Janaiya Reason, Niya Mack Source Type: research