Date Approved

2009

Degree Type

Open Access Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department or School

Health Promotion and Human Performance

Committee Member

Chrstine Karshin, PhD, Chair

Committee Member

Joan Cowdery, PhD

Committee Member

Mary Jo Desprez, MS

Abstract

For many health conditions, non-Hispanic Blacks bear a disproportionate burden of disease, injury, death, and disability. The purpose of this study was to examine African American females and their HIV prevention methods, as well as to identify factors that may lead to the non-use of condoms. Seventy-one participants were recruited from Planned Parenthood in Detroit. The instrumentation used for this research was the Sexual Health and Beliefs Survey. Results indicated that 69 percent of the respondents had five or more sexual partners in the lifetime. Ninety-four percent of the participants knew where to purchase condoms, and 89 percent stated that they had access to condoms though during the last sexual encounter 68 percent stated they did not use a condom. These findings indicate that non-Hispanic Black women may need more knowledge on severity of HIV infection and that when condoms are not used they are more susceptible to the disease.

Download

Share

COinS