Sero-risk neutral and sero-risk averse: perceptions of risk and condom use among Black African heterosexual migrant couples in serodiscordant relationships in the UK

This paper explores how perceptions of risk of infecting HIV-negative partners influence condom use among Black African heterosexual couples in stable relationships with one partner living with HIV (serodiscordant relationships). Twenty-five in-depth couple and individual interviews were analysed through phenomenological reflection and writing. A major finding was that in attempts to preserve their relationships, couples debated condom use strategies based on their perceptions of risk of infecting HIV-negative partners. We recommend that HIV prevention information among Black African heterosexual couples with a partner living with HIV should be understood from the perceptions of risk from both partners.