Examining ethnicity versus race in AIDS related sex research

Disproportionate numbers of AIDS cases have been reported for Blacks and Latinos nationwide. The criteria used to identify and categorize individuals into these groups has resulted in limited information about the factors responsible for Blacks and Latinos being at greater risk for HIV transmission. This paper addresses the importance of the term ethnicity versus race for social science AIDS related research. Methodological issues and sampling strategies, and a variety of socio cultural factors that compliment AIDS related research with ethnic minority populations are also discussed.