Black women have disproportionately higher rates of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, and low percentages being linked to care and becoming virally suppressed, compared with women of other races/ethnicities. To date, few evidence-based HIV prevention and care interventions tailored for black women exist. We highlight three essential factors to consider in designing culturally and gender-appropriate studies to address HIV-related disparities affecting black women: (1) social determinants of HIV risk, (2) determinants of equity, and (3) perceptions of black women's sexuality. Synergy between a strong evidence base and developing strong partnerships could accelerate progress toward HIV-related health equity for black women.
Keywords: HIV/AIDS; United States; black/African American women; health disparity; health equity; social determinants.