This study examines the association of partner characteristics on STD/HIV risk perception and risk behavior among young women in Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire. Several sources of data were used: the 1998 Demographic and Health Survey (DHS), a 1998 Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices study (KAP), free lists, pile sorts, and in-depth interviews.
Quantitative data analysis revealed significant associations between socio-demographic characteristics and high-risk sexual behavior, certain sexual behaviors and risk perception, and levels of STD/HIV knowledge and condom use. Although survey data provided information about participants’ risk perception and sexual behavior, they revealed little about these outcomes according to partner type. Qualitative data analysis, however, identified nine partner taxonomies common to study participants and differences between participants' personal risk perception and sexual risk-taking behavior according to each partner category.
This study suggests that partner categories used in some major quantitative surveys are incongruent with locally constructed categories. Incorporating factors such as relationship dynamics and partner characteristics into program design can help health agents concentrate their efforts on specific behaviors or types of relationships that present an increased risk for STD and HIV infection. Rather than targeting young women's "global risk," programs can target specific relationships where risk for infection is high yet women's perception of risk remains low. Such efforts will result in more target-specific interventions and, ultimately, more effective programs.
Learning Objectives: 1) Discuss types of sexual partners common among young women and the role expectations that are associated with those partners. 2) Describe how young women’s STD/HIV risk perception differs according to partner category and relationship type. 3) Incorporate the concept of partner-specific risk perception into program design and IEC messages.
Keywords: HIV Risk Behavior, International Reproductive Health
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.