2097.0 Experience with discrimination and sexual well-being: An exploratory analysis among adult black women

Session: Political and Structural Determinants of Reproductive Health

Program: Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH)

Time: 3 - 3:15 PM

Presenter:

Jasmine Abrams

Abstract

Background: Discrimination in the US is pervasive and is a major contributor to sexual and reproductive health disparities experienced by African American/ Black women. Social inequities may be barriers to sexual pleasure, including sexual satisfaction and orgasm. The purpose of this study was to assess the association between discrimination and sexuality outcomes among a sample of young adult Black women.

Methods: Participants were recruited as part of a formative research study using purposive sampling, between April and June 2019 in community-based locations around Baltimore, MD and Washington, DC. Heterosexually active Black women, ages 18-35 years old, and English literate were eligible to participate. Measures of everyday discrimination (EDS) were assessed. Multiple linear regression was used to test the association with sexual pleasure and well-being outcomes of Sexual Satisfaction (NSSS), and orgasm (FOS).

Results: In this sample of 269 young adult Black women, participants’ mean age was 27.5 years old (SD=3.86); 11% were Latina; and most (74.0%) completed education beyond high school. Among the sample 93.7% identified as heterosexual. The mean EDS was 20.6 (SD=7.49), Majority reported race as the main reason for discrimination (74.4%). The mean FOS score was 288.62 (SD=75.0); the mean NSSS was 64.78 (SD=11.38). EDS was statistically significantly associated with NSSS but not FOS.

Conclusions: Preliminary analysis shows that discrimination and sexual dissatisfaction is high among this sample. Given the harmful effects that discrimination and racism have on African Americans’ well-being, more specific actions and advocacy should be developed and implemented to improve Black women’s sexual health.