Sexually Transmitted Infections Among African American Women Who Have Sex With Women

Sexually Transmitted Infections Among African American Women Who Have Sex With Women

The purpose of this study is to determine rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among African American women who have sex with women (AAWSW). In addition, the study is interested in better understanding the types of risk behaviors that place AAWSW at risk for STIs. The investigators hypothesis is that AAWSW experience high rates of STIs, similar to heterosexual African American women. Knowledge gained from this study will guide development of interventions to reduce women's risk for these types of infections and will improve how AAWSW are screened for STIs.

The objectives of this study are (1) To determine the prevalence of bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis, Chlamydia, gonorrhea, Mycoplasma genitalium, HIV, genital herpes, and syphilis and associated risk behaviors in a cohort of African American women who have sex with women (AAWSW) in Birmingham, Alabama; (2) To compare exclusive AAWSW (during the past 12 months) to African American women who have sex with women and men (AAWSWM) in terms of socio-demographic characteristics, sexual risk behavior characteristics, and STI prevalence; and(3) To perform an exploratory prospective study of an age-matched (± 2 years) sub-group of exclusive AAWSW and AAWSWM over a 12 month time period to obtain data on differences in STI risk behaviors and STI incidence rates.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Female gender, self-identification as African American
• Age of 16 years or older, self report of sexual contact (oral, vaginal, or anal) with another female within the past 12 months
• English speaking
• The ability to give written informed consent.
• For the sub-groups of women being followed prospectively, they have to have at least one active female sexual partner (AAWSW group) or at least one active female and male sexual partner (AAWSWM group) at the time of enrollment into the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Pregnant or nursing and the inability or unwillingness to give written informed consent.