| Abstract: | In this study, we examine differences among 448 homeless women and their male partners in terms of sociodemographic and psychological characteristics, risky sexual and drug-use behaviors, and childhood abuse and adult victimization. Findings reveal women scored significantly lower on mental health and self-esteem, and significantly higher on depression, anxiety, and hostility measures, than their intimate partners. Scores for the dyad were nevertheless indicative of poor mental health functioning. Homeless women and their intimate partners both reported low levels of injection drug-use (5% and 6%); higher percentages of both groups reported practicing unprotected sex (70% vs. 72%) and sex with multiple partners (26% vs. 23%). Homeless women were less likely to report non-injection drug use, but more likely to report childhood and adult sexual abuse, than their intimate partners. Implications for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) risk reduction and safety enhancement programs for the dyad are discussed. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. |
