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HIV/AIDS continues to disproportionately affect African Americans. While African Americans represent 13% of the U.S. population, they account for nearly 50% of new HIV/AIDS infections (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 2008; McKinnon, 2003). Disproportionate rates are seen most among African American men who have sex with men (MSM) and women. Many African Americans at risk for acquiring HIV or other STIs disproportionately live in poverty and are plagued by communities with high rates of homelessness, unemployment, incarceration and substance abuse/dependence (Adimora & Schoenbach, 2005). How such factors increase the probability of exposure is very complex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

STD repeaters are important as a population of study for two primary reasons: 1) repeat infections may lead to an increased risk in STD sequelae, and 2) persons with repeat infections represent a disproportionate share of STD morbidity and may be members of the core group or core transmitters. We argue that it is likely that there are two different groups of repeaters. First, there are women who are the recipients of repeat infection as a result of the risky behaviors of their sex partners. Second, there are heterosexual and homosexual men and some women who engage in behavior that is more typical of core transmission patterns. These groups will require different interventions. We discuss these issues further later in the chapter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]