HIV Vulnerability Assessment - Black Women in Louisiana

HIV Vulnerability Assessment

A comprehensive health resource designed specifically for Black women in Louisiana

Important Disclaimer

This assessment is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. All information is confidential and educational. Please consult with a healthcare provider for personalized medical guidance and HIV testing.

About This Assessment

This resource helps identify potential HIV vulnerability factors specifically relevant to Black women in Louisiana. It considers social determinants of health, healthcare access, and community-specific factors that may impact HIV vulnerability. Use this information to have informed conversations with healthcare providers about prevention and care.

Self-Assessment Checklist

Review each factor below and honestly assess which may apply to your situation:

Age & Sexual Activity: Young women (18-34 years) who are sexually active may have higher vulnerability due to biological and social factors.
Condom Use: Inconsistent condom use (less than 100% of the time) increases HIV transmission risk significantly.
HIV Testing History: Not being tested regularly (at least annually) means you may not know your status or that of partners.
STI History: Having other sexually transmitted infections increases HIV transmission risk by 2-5 times.
Healthcare Access: Limited access to healthcare affects prevention, testing, and treatment opportunities.
Multiple Partners: Having multiple sexual partners or partners with multiple partners increases exposure vulnerability.
Intimate Partner Violence: Controlling or violent relationships often limit ability to negotiate safer sex practices.
Substance Use: Alcohol or drug use that affects sexual decision-making increases vulnerable behavior likelihood.
Mental Health Challenges: High stress, depression, or other mental health issues can impact self-care and decision-making.
Social Barriers: Lack of transportation, childcare, insurance, or fear of stigma can prevent accessing prevention services.

Understanding Your Vulnerability Level

Based on current research, here's how to interpret your vulnerability factors:

Lower Vulnerability

0-2 factors apply to you

You have several protective factors, but staying informed and tested is still important.

Moderate Vulnerability

3-5 factors apply to you

Some factors increase your vulnerability. Proactive prevention steps are recommended.

Higher Vulnerability

6+ factors apply to you

Multiple factors significantly increase vulnerability. Immediate prevention action is recommended.

Prevention Recommendations by Vulnerability Level

If You Have Lower Vulnerability (0-2 factors)

  • Continue consistent condom use to maintain protection
  • Get tested for HIV annually or as recommended
  • Stay up-to-date with regular STI screenings
  • Maintain open communication with partner(s) about sexual health
  • Stay informed about prevention options like PrEP

If You Have Moderate Vulnerability (3-5 factors)

  • Get HIV testing every 3-6 months
  • Discuss PrEP with a healthcare provider - it's highly effective
  • Work on strategies to increase consistent condom use
  • Address healthcare access barriers you identified
  • Consider STI screening every 3-6 months
  • Seek support for any relationship or mental health concerns

If You Have Higher Vulnerability (6+ factors)

  • Get tested for HIV as soon as possible, then every 3 months
  • Speak with a healthcare provider about starting PrEP immediately
  • Seek comprehensive STI testing and treatment
  • Connect with local HIV prevention programs and support services
  • Address substance use concerns with professional support
  • If experiencing partner violence, seek safety planning assistance
  • Access free or low-cost healthcare services in your area

Take Action Today

Regardless of your vulnerability level, there are concrete steps you can take right now:

Get Tested

Find free, confidential HIV testing locations near you. Many offer same-day results.

Learn About PrEP

Pre-exposure prophylaxis is up to 99% effective when taken as prescribed.

Access Healthcare

Connect with local clinics that offer sliding-scale or free services.

Get Support

Connect with community organizations that understand your unique needs.

Louisiana HIV Prevention & Care Resources

Louisiana Health Hub

Comprehensive healthcare finder for HIV testing, PrEP programs, and prevention services across Louisiana

Website: louisianahealthhub.org/find-care/

Together Take Me Home

Free, confidential at-home HIV testing program serving Louisiana residents

Website: together.takemehome.org

Access Health Louisiana

Free HIV home test kits and comprehensive sexual health resources

Website: accesshealthla.org/services/free-hiv-home-test-kits/

National HIV/AIDS Hotline

24/7 confidential information, counseling, and referrals

Phone: 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636)

Available: 24 hours, multiple languages

Get Tested

National HIV, STD, and Hepatitis testing site locator from the CDC

Website: gettested.cdc.gov

National Domestic Violence Hotline

24/7 support for those experiencing intimate partner violence

Phone: 1-800-799-7233

Text: Text START to 88788

Website: thehotline.org

Additional Context: Why This Matters for Black Women in Louisiana

Disproportionate Impact

Black women in the South face higher rates of HIV infection due to a combination of social, economic, and healthcare factors. In Louisiana, Black women represent a significant percentage of new HIV infections despite being a smaller portion of the population.

Healthcare Access Challenges

Louisiana has not expanded Medicaid, creating coverage gaps that particularly affect Black women. Rural areas may have limited healthcare options, and transportation can be a significant barrier to accessing prevention and care services.

Social Determinants

Factors like poverty, housing instability, limited educational opportunities, and community violence can create environments where HIV vulnerability is elevated. These structural issues require community-level solutions alongside individual prevention efforts.

Stigma and Discrimination

Intersectional stigma based on race, gender, and HIV status can create barriers to testing, treatment, and support. Building culturally competent healthcare relationships is crucial for effective prevention and care.