Antibody testing and condom use among heterosexual African Americans at risk for HIV infection: The National AIDS Behavioral Surveys

Objectives. This study describes predictors of condom use and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) antibody testing in a population-based sample of African-American heterosexuals who reported HIV risk behavior. Methods. Data were taken from the National AIDS Behavioral Surveys. Results. Of the African-American respondents, 22% reported some risk for HIV infection; of those, 24% had been tested for HIV. Conclusions. Prevention messages encouraging HIV testing and condom use have not resulted in high rates of self-protective behavior among African Americans. Future prevention interventions must focus on specific motivations and barriers with regard to engaging in preventive behavior among specific age, gender, and educational- level groups within the population of African Americans at risk for HIV infection.