What Are Women Who Have Sex with Women's HIV Prevention Needs?

Abstract:
This fact sheet begins by discussing the HIV risk for women who have sex with women (WSW). It is noted that some WSW may also shoot drugs, have sex with men, trade sex for money or drugs, be victims of rape or abuse, have sex with many partners, or have artificial insemination. From all we know, there is a small but still unspecified risk of HIV transmission associated with female-to-female sexual practices. Barriers to prevention in this group include social, environmental, and economic factors, along with expectations of heterosexuality and negative social or cultural attitudes toward homosexuality. At-risk WSW are often not recognized within other groups such as crack-smokers and injection drug users, the homeless, commercial sex workers, and prisoners. The fact sheet describes several prevention projects that have made a difference in this group and notes that definitive research on sexual practices, sexual risks, partnering choices, and demographic characteristics of WSW are still needed.

Author(s): DeCARLO, Pamela, and GOMEZ, Cynthia, Ph.D.

Publication: HIV Prevention: Looking Back, Looking Ahead


Date Published: 1/1/1997

Pages: 2

Comments:
Fact sheet is available in English and Spanish. Available from the National AIDS Clearinghouse (800-458-5231). Alternate web site (HIV InSite): http://hivinsite.ucsf.edu/prevention.

Location Code: 6236