The Use of HIV Prevention Strategies and Services Reported by Black Women with a Risk for and with HIV in the United States

Black women are disproportionately affected by HIV. We analyzed data from two Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s HIV surveillance systems to better understand HIV prevention strategies used by Black women at risk for and with HIV to help inform efforts to end HIV. Among sexually active Black women, we analyzed 2019 National HIV Behavioral Surveillance data on women without HIV (n = 4,033) and 2018–2020 Medical Monitoring Project data on women with HIV (n = 967). We reported percentages of HIV prevention strategies and services used and assessed differences between groups using Rao-Scott chi-square tests. Among Black women without HIV, 39% were aware of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP); of these, 7% discussed PrEP with a healthcare provider, and 1% used PrEP in the past 12 months. Approximately 16% used a condom with their last sex partner; 36% reported that their last sex partner did not have HIV. Among Black women with HIV, 58% had condom-protected sex, 56% reported having sex while having sustained viral suppression, 3% had condomless sex with a partner on PrEP, and 24% had sex with a partner with HIV; 12% engaged in sex without using any HIV prevention strategy. HIV prevention strategies and services differed by selected demographic characteristics and social determinants of health. Although many sexually active Black women reported using HIV prevention strategies, there is room for improvement among those at risk for or with HIV. Tailoring prevention efforts based on individual needs and circumstances is essential for ending the HIV epidemic.