"I Asked for the Papers": How Emerging Adult Black Women Request Sexual Health Information

This study examines the strategies for requesting partner disclosure of sexual health history used by 104 emerging adult heterosexually active Black women (ages 18–29, M = 23). Using a conventional content analysis approach, three strategies emerged. The "straight out" or a "blunt" direct request, which is a sexually assertive style was reported by 70% (n = 53) of the women. The other two request strategies were joint testing or disclosure, and partner initiated disclosure. Heterosexually active Black American women are still at heightened risk for STIs. Findings from this study suggest that some Black American women are not passive or without voice when sustaining their sexual health.