Gender, Race, Class, and Health

Abstract

This study explores the intersection of race, class, and gender on substance abuse treatment and human immunodeficiency virus risk among 12 incarcerated black women by integrating the Health Belief Model with Black Feminist Theory. The findings suggest that the culture and context of substance abuse not only influenced the women’s perception of susceptibility of risk and severity of risk but, perhaps more importantly, the perceived benefit of the intervention on their life circumstances. These findings have implications for the conceptualization, implementation, and evaluation of substance abuse treatment, HIV prevention education, and prison reentry programs targeting Black women.