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An Analysis of Sex Practices and Behaviors Among African Americans in Sexually Concurrent and Sexually Exclusive Relationships

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Abstract

Historically, sexually concurrent relationships have been associated with increased risk for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV. Due to socio-structural factors, African Americans (AAs) have higher rates of STIs compared to other racial groups and are more likely to engage in sexually concurrent (SC) relationships. Current research has challenged the assumption that SC is the only risky relationship type, suggesting that both SC and sexually exclusive (SE) relationships are at equal risk of STI and HIV acquisition and that both relationship types should engage in safer sex practices. This study aimed to compare sex practices and behaviors among AA men and women in SC and SE relationships (N = 652). Results demonstrate differences in sexual practices and behaviors between SC and SE men and women. Overall, SC and SE women report condom use with male partners less frequently than SC and SE men. SC men were more likely to report substance use during sex compared to SC and SE women. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use did not differ across groups. SE men were less likely to report STI testing and diagnosis compared to SC women. Findings support the need to focus on culturally and gender-specific safer sex interventions among AAs.

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Funding

This work was supported by the Les Brun Pilot Funding, Buffalo Center for Social Research, University at Buffalo.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Social Work, The State University of New York, University at Buffalo, New York, USA

    Noelle M. St. Vil

  2. School of Nursing, University of Rochester, New York, USA

    Natalie Leblanc

  3. School of Public Health and Health Professions, The State University of New York, University at Buffalo, New York, USA

    Jacob Bleasdale, Kennethea Wilson & Sarahmona Przybyla

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  1. Noelle M. St. Vil
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Correspondence to Noelle M. St. Vil.

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St. Vil, N.M., Leblanc, N., Bleasdale, J. et al. An Analysis of Sex Practices and Behaviors Among African Americans in Sexually Concurrent and Sexually Exclusive Relationships. J. Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities 9, 1923–1931 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40615-021-01130-4

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