"The silent killer": An assessment of awareness and prevention methods among and around African-American women in the DC Metropolitan Area

Recent studies have concluded that the number of AIDS cases has rapidly increased in the United States. African-American women are being disproportionately infected. This study is a multi-method research analysis of HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention methods among African-American women in the Washington DC Metropolitan area. The aim of the research is to develop an understanding of the knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and behaviors of African-American women, and local AIDS organizations, on the subject of HIV/AIDS. The research was conducted through focus groups and interviews. The focus groups were comprised of two groups of African-American women; those who are considered to be highly at-risk (25-45), and senior African-American women (65+). The key informant interviews were with members of AIDS organizations in the district. The study explores the myths and stigmas associated with the disease, the levels of awareness and prevention, and the concerns African-American women face in HIV/AID'S awareness and prevention methods.