| Title | HIV sexual risk behavior among low-income women experiencing intimate partner violence: the role of posttraumatic stress disorder. |
| Publication Type | Journal Article |
| Year of Publication | 2010 |
| Authors | Cavanaugh, Courtenay E., Nathan B. Hansen, and Tami P. Sullivan |
| Journal | AIDS and behavior |
| Volume | 14 |
| Issue | 2 |
| Pagination | 318-27 |
| Date Published | 2010 Apr |
| ISSN | 1573-3254 |
| Keywords | Adolescent, Adult, Domestic Violence, Female, HIV Infections, Humans, Logistic Models, Male, Middle Aged, Poverty, Risk-Taking, Sexual Behavior, Sexual Partners, Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic, Young Adult |
| Abstract | Posttraumatic stress disorder resulting from intimate partner violence (IPV-related PTSD), drug problems, and alcohol problems were tested as correlates of women's sexual risk behavior. Participants were 136 low-income women experiencing physical violence by a male partner during the past 6 months. Sexual risk behavior was assessed by whether women had unprotected sex with a risky primary partner (i.e., HIV-positive, injection drug user, and/or nonmonogamous), unprotected sex with a risky nonprimary partner (i.e. HIV-positive or unknown status), or traded sex during the past 6 months. Nearly one in five women engaged in these recent sexual risk behaviors. Simultaneous logistic regression results revealed IPV-related PTSD, but not drug or alcohol problems, was significantly associated with sexual risk behavior while controlling for childhood abuse and demographic covariates. Women with IPV-related PTSD had four times greater odds of recent sexual risk behavior compared to women without IPV-related PTSD. Implications for HIV prevention interventions are discussed. |
| DOI | 10.1007/s10461-009-9623-1 |
| Alternate Journal | AIDS Behav |
