Table 3.

Participant themes regarding depression, HIV/AIDS and HIV risk-related sexual behaviors

Depression

Maybe them, but not me; denial of depression diagnosis

Any word but depression, more acceptable terms for depression

Stigmatization of mental illness

Mental health treatment perceptions

Creative activity as a positive coping strategy

Adverse health behaviors as negative coping strategies

HIV/AIDS

Large impact in the African American community

Incurable, but preventable disease

Stigmatization of HIV/AIDS

Maybe them, but not me; denial of HIV risk

HIV prevention and treatment perceptions

HIV risk-related sexual behaviors

What is “real” sex?

Benefits and barriers to condom use

Influence of partner type on risk

Love, attention and early sexual debut

The relationship between depression and sexual decision-making

Depression makes girls want to have sex more frequently

Depression has no affect on sexual decision-making