Purpose: To assess the effects of relationship domestic violence on self-esteem, depression, and risk for HIV among Mexican women.
Methodology: A convenient sample of 529 Mexican women between the ages of 18 and 44 who have been sexually active in the past 3 months. They were recruited to be participants in a randomized evaluation of a culturally tailored HIV risk intervention in Chicago. Data collected included: sexual partners' behaviors in the last three months, partner violence, current levels of self-esteem (Rosenberg) and depressive symptoms (CES-D), and HIV risk factors.
Results: 97.2% of the Mexican women in this study had only one partner in the past 3 months; the relationship with this partner had lasted from 1 day to 26 years (M=7 yrs.). For the 3-month period, 6.4% of the women reported being forced to have sex; 7.6% reported being hurt by a partner; and 15.1% had to call the police because of a partner's behavior; and 18.9% had experienced one or more of these problems. The women had significant depressive symptoms (CES-D mean=19, SD=12), while they had moderately high level of self-esteem (mean=30, SD=5). Known HIV risk for these women was low, but many women lacked knowledge of their partners' injection drug use, other sexual partners, or HIV status; and 63.7% have reported never using condoms. Domestic violence predicted HIV risk factors, level of self-esteem and depressive symptoms. Violence increased the likelihood of multiple partners and HIV risk through partners, and predicted lower condom use, higher level of depression and lower self-esteem.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to: (1)Define the prevalence of domestic violence among Mexican women. (2)Describe the HIV risk factors among Mexican women. (3)Describe the relationship between domestic violence and self-esteem, depression, and HIV risk factors among Mexican women.
Keywords: Domestic Violence, Latinas
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.