The Self-Reported Sexual Behaviors of Single Older African Americans

African Americans are disproportionally affected by HIV/AIDS, but little is known about the risky sexual behaviors of older African Americans. This cross-sectional, comparative, and descriptive study investigated the self-reported sexual behaviors of sexually active older African Americans. The nonrandom sample (N = 78) included single African American men (59%) and women (41%), 50-74 years of age. Participants were recruited from various community sites, and data were collected with a standard sexual history questionnaire. Participants reported practicing risky behaviors such having unprotected oral, anal, and vaginal sex (96.5%), and having multiple sex partners (37.2%). There were several significant gender differences such as males using condoms more for vaginal sexual activity, and they discussed using a condom more than females. Faced with an aging population and a growing incidence of HIV/AIDS, older adults need to know the types of sexual behaviors that put them at risk and skills to reduce risky behaviors. Age/gender-appropriate interventions for HIV prevention are needed for older African Americans.