| The African American female population makes significant contributions to the U.S. gross domestic product. The prevalence of HIV/AIDS in this population prompted concerns regarding a major change in how African American women with HIV/AIDS spend their income. Negative changes in consumer spending among African American women represent billions of dollars and ultimately result in a negative impact to the U.S. economy. The purpose of the study was to use quantitative analysis to statistically measure HIV/AIDS status and its impact on consumer spending among African American women. The theoretical perspectives used in this study were developed from the research of Keynes and Friedman who analyzed factors that impact consumer spending. An exploratory correlational design that drew surveys from 120 participants (60 HIV positive) including measures of consumer spending and demographic characteristics was used to empirically examine these theoretical models. Findings from a series of ANOVA, bivariate correlations, and multiple linear regression analyses were triangulated to confirm significant influences of age, education, marital status and income on consumer spending; however no significant effect was observed for HIV/AIDS status. The results of this study suggest the theories developed by Keynes and Friedman, who postulated income was the significant factor as a motivator of consumer spending play a significant role in understanding factors that impact consumer spending in African American women. This study contributes to social change by providing a foundation that can be used to identify factors that impact consumer spending among the subpopulations in the US, enabling policymakers to promote public policies that positively impact the financial health of the United States. |
