Qualitative Study of African-American Women’s Intergenerational Dialogue for HIV Prevention

Abstract

Despite the many established strategies designed to prevent Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) transmission in the United States, African-American (AA) women are disproportionately affected by the virus. This descriptive qualitative study explored AA women’s experiences of Intergenerational Dialogues (IGD) about HIV prevention. Study participants included 30 AA women representing four generational cohorts (the Silent Generation, Baby Boomers, Generation X, and Millennials). Recruitment occurred in Scott County, Mississippi. Data were collected through in-person, in-depth interviews. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim for analysis. Four themes emerged from using conventional content analysis: Acknowledging the Importance of Community Connections; Helping Others by Sharing; Using Self-Knowledge as a Preventive Strategy; and Encouraging Others to Manage Intimate Relationships. Findings suggest that intergenerational dialogues may be an effective strategy to help AA women manage intimate relationships and potentially contribute to preventing HIV transmission.