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Perceived Susceptibility to HIV among Women

Differences According to Age

Emory University

Kirk W. Elifson

Georgia State University

Claire E. Sterk

Emory University

Hugh Klein

Georgia State University

Older women's risk of acquiring HIV should not be discounted, because researchers have noted that older women may be at an increased risk of contracting HIV due to their heterosexual sexual practices and/or substance use behaviors. HIV prevention efforts must be directed at older adults who engage in high-risk sexual and drug behaviors, particularly those who may not perceive themselves to be at risk for HIV infection. This study is based on 183 women, mostly African American, divided into two age cohorts (ages 18 to 29, and ages 40 and older). The authors investigate factors associated with HIV risk perception in several domains, including individual, psychosocial, and sociodemographic characteristics as well as sexual and drug use behaviors. Multivariate analyses revealed differences in factors associated with younger and older women's HIV risk perceptions. Our findings indicate a need for HIV risk prevention programs to take age into consideration when developing intervention messages and strategies.

Key Words: women • age • HIV susceptibility

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