Researchers receive grant to combat HIV in the African American community

 

African Americans have a higher risk of contracting HIV than other racial/ethnic groups, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Due to this, health officials have been working to create initiatives that may reduce risky sexual behaviors in this population. Recently, one such project from UCLA received a $2.5 million grant from the National Institute of Mental Health.

The initiative is based on a concept from West Africa called Eban. The goal of the program is to not only reduce the rates of HIV and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in the African American community, but also promote healthy communication within couples about safer sex and monogamy. The initiative takes into account the cultural beliefs and practices of the African American community to create a more specialized program for this population.

"The Eban II Project aims to deepen our understanding of how to best help African American couples enhance their health," said Gail Wyatt, a professor of psychiatry and biobehavioral sciences at UCLA. "We hope that the project will create a comfortable space for romantic partners to talk about their health concerns while encouraging each other to lead healthier lives."

According to the CDC, in 2009 African American men accounted for 42 percent of new HIV infections among men, and African American women represented 64 percent of new infections among women. This is particularly concerning in light of the fact that these individuals make up only 11 percent and 12 percent of the U.S. population, respectively.

The project will include 10 community-based organizations in Northern and Southern California. Hopefully, it will encourage individuals in this area to practice safer sex, be more open with their partners and visit STD testing centers in Los Angeles if they are concerned about whether they have an infection.