The relationship between HIV-related knowledge and safe sexual behavior in African American women dwelling in the rural southeast.

There is an epidemiological shift toward increased rates of HIV infection in African American women, despite widely available information regarding HIV prevention. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between HIV-related knowledge and high-risk sexual behavior while controlling for related variables. A multivariate regression model was selected to differentiate the effects of these variables. The participants were 75 African American women, aged 18 to 38. The results indicated a positive relationship between HIV-related knowledge and high-risk sexual behaviors using the Pearson's r correlation coefficient (0.411, p < .001). Age of first sexual experience, number of lifetime sexual partners, income, educational level, and level of HIV-related knowledge were then regressed onto level of high risk sexual behavior using a hierarchical techniques. Only total years of education achieved statistical significance (p < .001 on the first step and p < .05 on the second step).     

Sexual abuse and sexual risk behaviors of minority women with sexually transmitted diseases

The relationship between sexual abuse and sexually transmitted disease (STD) represents an important and underinvestigated context of domestic violence. This study examined the association between sexual abuse, sexual risk behaviors, and risk for reinfection and HIV among minority women with STD. Mexican American and African American women (n = 617) with active STD entered a randomized study of behavioral intervention to reduce STD recurrence. Each underwent questioning at entry regarding sexual abuse and sexual risk behaviors. Comparisons of these behaviors using chi-square, t tests, and logistic regression were made by history of sexual abuse. Sexually abused women were more likely to have lower incomes, earlier coitus, STD history, currently abusive partners, new sex partners, anal sex, and bleeding with sex, placing them at increased risk for STD reinfection and HIV. Due to this association with sexual risk behavior, assessment for sexual abuse is essential in programs focusing on STD/HIV prevention.     

The interrelationship between violence, HIV/AIDS, and drug use in incarcerated women.

The purpose of this study was to examine how violence co-occurs with drug use and HIV/AIDS high-risk behaviors among women incarcerated for drug use. This study was a supplement to a larger, experimental study designed to reduce HIV/AIDS high-risk behaviors among incarcerated female drug users. The women who participated (N = 170) reported that violence was a major part of their lives and affected many of their behaviors. Among these 170 women, 26.6% used condoms for oral sex, 46.4% for vaginal intercourse, and 65% were either sexually or physically abused. Intimate partner abuse was reported by 33.9% of the women. About 16% reported forced sexual activity, and 17.5% feared their partners. Women who refused to give oral sex to their male partners and those who insisted on condom use during oral sex prior to jail were more likely to be sexually or physically abused (chi 2 = 4.104; chi 2 = 3.886, p < .05, respectively). Although statistically significant interrelationships were not found among the three variables, significant bivariate relationships were found between intimate violence and HIV/AIDS high-risk behaviors.     

Incidence and correlates of physical violence among HIV-infected women at risk for pregnancy in the southeastern United States.

To identify the incidence and correlates of physical and sexual violence among HIV-infected women at risk for pregnancy, a cross-sectional examination was conducted within a longitudinal study of reproductive decision making. Participants consisted of 275 HIV-infected women 17 to 49 years of age (mean = 30.1 years). Women were predominantly African American (87%) and single (82%), with annual incomes of $10,000 or less (66%). Overall, 68% of the women reported experiencing lifetime physical and/or sexual violence. Before becoming HIV infected, 65% of the women reported having been physically or sexually abused. After HIV diagnosis, 33% of the women reported experiencing physical or sexual abuse. Women reporting greater violence were more likely to disclose their HIV-seropositive status to their sex partner. Using logistic regression, greater intent to get pregnant (odds ratio [OR] = 0.933), decreased present life satisfaction (OR = 1.048), having three or more children (OR = 0.474), and history of drug use (OR = 0.794) significantly distinguished between women who reported physical and/or sexual violence and those who did not.     

The relationships among sexually transmitted infection, depression, and lifetime violence in a sample of predominantly African American women

This study was a secondary analysis of the relationships among lifetime experiences of violence, depressive symptoms, substance use, safer sex behaviors use, and past-year sexually transmitted infection (STI) treatment among a sample of 445 low income, primarily African American women (257 HIV-, 188 HIV+) reporting a male intimate partner within the past year. Twenty-one percent of HIV- and 33% of HIV+ women reported past-year STI treatment. Violence victimization increased women's odds of past-year STI treatment, controlling for HIV status and age. Depressive symptoms increased, and use of safer sex behaviors decreased, women's odds of past-year STI treatment. Results suggest that positive assessment for violence and/or depression indicates need for STI screening.     

Safer Sex and Partner Violence in a Sample of Women

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV, continue to be associated with significant morbidity and mortality among women. Intimate partner violence (IPV), affecting approximately 25% of women, has been shown to be a risk factor for HIV and STIs. This study describes the relationship between sexual risk, safer sex, and partner violence in a sample of women. Women who experienced IPV reported greater coercive sexual risk behaviors and a decreased ability to practice some safer sex behaviors. Nurse practitioners should be aware of the relationship between IPV and sexual risk and screen all women during routine visits.     

Effect of obesity on cardiovascular disease risk factors in African American women

Obesity is a growing health care concern with implications for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Obesity and CVD morbidity and mortality are highly prevalent among African American women. This pilot study examined the association between obesity and the traditional and emerging CVD risk factors in a sample of African American women. Participants comprised 48 women (27 obese, 21 normal weight) aged 18-45. with no known history of CVD. The women completed demographic and 7-day physical activity recall questionnaires. Height and weight were used to determine body mass index (BMI). Hypertension risk was assessed using the average of two resting blood pressure (BP) measurements. Lipid profile, blood glucose, fibrinogen, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1), and E-selectin (eSel) levels were assessed using fasting blood samples. Laboratory findings were interpreted using the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and Adult Treatment Panel (ATP) III reference guidelines as well as manufacturers' reference ranges for the novel CVD risk factors. The most common traditional risk factors were physical inactivity (72.9%), positive family history of CVD (58.3%), and obesity (56.3%). Obese individuals had elevated systolic BP (p = .0002), diastolic BP (p = .0007) and HDL-cholesterol (p = .01), triglyceride (p = .02), hs-CRP (p = .002), and fibrinogen (p = .01), when compared with normal-weight women. The findings suggest an association between obesity and higher prevalence of both traditional and emerging CVD risk factors in young African American women.     

The measurement of HIV risk level in African American women who dwell in the Southeastern United States.

African American women are the group most heavily afflicted with heterosexually transmitted HIV. The southeastern United States suffers a disproportionate degree of this burden. The purpose of this study was to present the psychometric testing of the HIV Risk Behavior Questionnaire, which was designed and tested for use in this population. The instrument, initially comprised of 32 items, was screened for face validity by experts in the field. This resulted in a revised 28-item instrument. Internal consistency was tested in 74 subjects and yielded Cronbach's a of 0.74. High interitem correlations coupled with similarity between the items resulted in the elimination of three additional items. The final 25-item instrument was then administered to 304 subjects, with Cronbach's a of 0.82. Factor analysis yielded a four-factor solution: barrier/fluid avoidance modalities, survival sex, sexual communications, and factors that increase sexual risk. This indicated the complex multidimensional variables that affect sexual risk. Construct validity was then established through correlation with existing instruments of assertiveness and personal control, using an additional sample of 131 subjects.     

Prevalence of partner violence against 7,443 African American, White, and Hispanic women receiving care at urban public primary care clinics

Given inconclusive findings regarding racial/ethnic differences in risk for intimate partner violence (IPV), this study will estimate annual prevalence and severity of IPV and associated risk factors of homicide among a multiethnic population of English- and Spanish-speaking African American, White, and Hispanic women receiving public primary health care. A personal interview survey was conducted using three measurement instruments including a brief two-question screen. The sample consisted of 7,443 women, aged 18-44 years, receiving care at urban, primary health care clinics in southern Texas. White women disclosed abuse at a rate of 8.9%, followed by African American women at 6.0% and Hispanic women at 5.3%. More abuse was reported by White and African American women compared to Hispanic women. Use of a brief two-question screen provides racial/ethnic specific surveillance data for patient care programming and can track progress toward decreasing violence against women.     

Evaluation of HIV counselling and testing, self-disclosure, social support and sexual behaviour change among a rural sample of HIV reactive patients in South Africa

The aim of this study was to evaluate HIV counselling and testing, self-disclosure, social support and sexual behaviour change among HIV reactive patients among a rural sample of HIV reactive patients in South Africa. The sample consisted at the post-test counselling exit interview of 55 participants (41 women and 14 men) who tested HIV-positive conveniently selected from a rural hospital and at five months follow-up at their homes 47. Results indicated that most patients had an HIV test because of medical reasons. At follow-up only 36% had disclosed their HIV status and half of the participants had had sex without condoms in the past three weeks. Major reason for not disclosing of their HIV status were being afraid of negative reactions, fear of discrimination, fear of violence, concerns about confidentiality and not yet ready. Social support was found to be significantly related to disclosure of HIV status, while counselling context and content and counselling satisfaction were not related with HIV disclosure.     

HIV/AIDS among midlife African American women: an integrated review of literature

HIV occurs among African American women at rates exceeding those among White women, and the prevalence of HIV/AIDS is rising disproportionately among African American adults over 40. The literature between 1987 and 2003 was reviewed for data on prevention and risk taking behavior regarding HIV transmission among midlife African American women. A search of relevant databases revealed four reports specifically targeting African American women aged 40-65. Five reports including this population also included men and other ethnic/racial groups. Content analysis revealed that factors related to risk for HIV included socioeconomic factors, knowledge, perceived vulnerability, sexual assertiveness, and risk taking behavior. Findings suggest that further research on the relationships between sociocultural variables and individual factors may explain prevention and risk taking behaviors in midlife African American women.     

Pain,Racial Discrimination,and Depressive Symptoms among African American Women

African American women with osteoarthritis (OA) are at high risk of experiencing pain. They report more pain than non-Hispanic White women and men of other racial/ethnic groups. This pain can limit independence and diminish their quality of life. Despite the detrimental effects that pain can have on older African American women with OA, there is a dearth of literature examining factors beyond the OA pathology that are associated with pain outcomes within this population. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between racial discrimination and depressive symptoms with pain intensity in African American women with OA. The sample comprised of 120 African American women, aged 50-80 years, with OA, from Texas and New Mexico. The women completed survey booklets to answer study questionnaires. We used multiple linear regression to test associations between racial discrimination, depressive symptoms, and pain intensity. We tested whether depressive symptoms mediated the relationship between racial discrimination and pain intensity by using bootstrapping. Results indicated that racial discrimination was significantly associated with pain intensity and that this relationship was mediated by depressive symptoms, even after controlling for body mass index, years of education, and length of time with OA. Both depressive symptoms and racial discrimination may be modifiable. If these modifiable factors are addressed in this population, there may be decreased pain in middle-aged and older African American women.     

The relationship between abuse,sexually transmitted diseases, & group B streptococcus in childbearing women

PURPOSE: To examine the relationship between abuse, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and group B (GBS) infection among childbearing women using Selye's (1978) stress response theory. DESIGN AND METHODS: Retrospective chart review (n = 205) from two different clinical sites in Washington State, using the Childbearing Health Questionnaire to guide data collection. The women in the sample had an average age of 26.4 years and represented Anglo (81.4%), Hispanic (12%), Native American (3.9%), and African American (2.5%) ethnic groups. Thirty-eight percent ( = 78) reported experiencing physical and/or sexual abuse during their lifetimes and 31% had been diagnosed with an STD. RESULTS: Abuse was significantly related to STDs, and ethnicity emerged as a significant variable for the Hispanic women participating in this study. Findings indicated that infection with group B was also related to abuse status ( r=.60, p < or =.002) and to presence of herpes simplex virus-2 (r =.468, p相似文献