The Health Status of Black Women

In this article, we offer a contemporary exploration of the prevalence of disease and behavioral risk among black women in five general areas: HIV/AIDS, breast cancer, violence and abuse, mental illness, and obesity and sedentary behavior. Within each area we explore theoretical frameworks that consider social, cultural, environmental, economic, and political explanations for why black women are disproportionately affected. We also present research on the health of incarcerated women and lesbian women as examples of subpopulations of black women that are particularly vulnerable to health disparities. Finally, we conclude with six recommendations for moving forward with a federal, state, and local research agenda that would significantly improve the health of black women in the United States.