| Title | Economic dependence and unprotected sex: the role of sexual assertiveness among young urban mothers. |
| Publication Type | Journal Article |
| Year of Publication | 2010 |
| Authors | Biello, Katie Brooks, Heather L. Sipsma, Jeannette R. Ickovics, and Trace Kershaw |
| Journal | Journal of urban health : bulletin of the New York Academy of Medicine |
| Volume | 87 |
| Issue | 3 |
| Pagination | 416-25 |
| Date Published | 2010 May |
| ISSN | 1468-2869 |
| Keywords | Adolescent, Adult, Assertiveness, Economics, Female, Humans, Interviews as Topic, Mothers, Object Attachment, United States, Unsafe Sex, Urban Population, Young Adult |
| Abstract | In the USA, sexual intercourse is the leading route of human immunodeficiency virus transmission among women, primarily through their main partner. Because male condom use is not directly under a woman's control, gender inequalities may help shape this sexual risk behavior. To examine this association, data came from follow-up interviews of young, primarily minority, pregnant women enrolled in a prospective, randomized controlled trial. Specifically, we aimed to determine the relationship between economic dependence on a male partner and condom use, and to establish whether this relationship was mediated by sexual assertiveness. Overall, 28% of women reported being economically dependent on a male partner. Young women dependent on a male partner were 1.6 times more likely to report not using a condom at last sex than women not dependent on their partner (95% confidence interval = 1.11-2.32; p = 0.01). Sexual assertiveness mediated the relationship between economic dependence and condom use (Sobel = 2.05, p = 0.04). Coupled with past research, this study supports the premise that sexual behaviors may be rooted in a complex web of social determinants. Addressing gender inequalities in contextual factors may promote healthier decisions within sexual relationships. |
| DOI | 10.1016/j.amepre.2009.08.027 |
| Alternate Journal | J Urban Health |
