Affiliation:
1. Icahn School of Medicine Mount Sinai 1 Gustave L. Levy Pl New York
2. College of Medicine University of Illinois Chicago
3. College of Medicine University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign
4. School of Public Health University of Maryland College Park MD
5. College of Nursing University of Illinois Chicago
Abstract
AbstractBackgroundBlack girls in the United States are at increased risk for HIV and sexually transmitted infections due to early sexual development, stereotyping, adultification, and lack of protection. The Becoming a Sexual Black Woman framework highlights protection, or lack thereof, as a critical component of Black girls' sexual development.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was twofold. First, we sought to understand how girls protect their bodies within the societal context of the COVID‐19 pandemic and social injustice. Second, we aimed to explore how Black men can better protect Black girls' sexual development.MethodWe conducted 25 in‐depth interviews with Black girls aged 9 to 18 years, primarily across the Midwestern United States. We performed a directed content analysis by reviewing transcripts, coding data, and developing themes.ResultsFindings revealed four themes: (a) feeling unsafe, (b) adultification of Black girls' bodies and increased vulnerability to harm, (c) desire for more protection by Black male caregivers, and (d) needing Black men to speak up.ConclusionBlack men's engagement in girls' sexual development may significantly influence the health outcomes of Black girls and women throughout their life course.ImplicationsFindings may inform future family‐based interventions that better protect and promote the sexual health and development of Black girls.