Recorded presentation

Nikki Bellamy, PhD¹, John A. Hermann, PhD², Elizabeth J. Harris, PhD³, Marion P. Leitao, BS², and Diana Santana, MA². (1) Division of Knowledge Development and Systems Improvement, Sustance Abuse and Mental Health Admin/Center for Substance Abuse Prevention, Room 4-1005, 1 Choke Cherry Road, Rockville, MD 20857, 240-276-2418, nikki.bellamy@samhsa.hhs.gov, (2) Applied Research Division, ORC Macro (Macro International Inc.), 11785 Beltsville Drive, Suite 300, Calverton, MD 20705, (3) EMT Associates, Inc., 15720 Ventura Blvd., PH, Encino, CA 91436

Background: This paper is based on data collected as part of a study of a federally-funded HIV and substance abuse prevention initiative targeting minority populations. The paper investigates relationships between high-risk sexual behaviors and intimate partner violence (IPV). Sample N=461 adults (76% female) at 12 study sites. Anecdotal reports from the study sites suggest many individuals who are at risk for HIV infection are also in abusive relationships. Analysis tests the hypothesis that recent IPV is a predictor of engaging in risky sexual behaviors.

Methods: Data were collected locally using a common instrument when the subjects entered the study. The independent variables are emotional, physical, and sexual abuse within the past 3 months. The dependent variables are risky sexual behaviors during the past 3 months. Logistic regression analysis is used.

Results: Emotional abuse was reported by 40% of the respondents, physical abuse 17%, and sexual abuse 8%. Reports of risky sexual behaviors include, unprotected oral sex (27%), unprotected vaginal sex (40%), unprotected anal sex (23%), multiple sexual partners (21%), and sex while under the influence of drugs or alcohol (25%). The analysis indicates that individuals who have been abused recently also engage in risky sexual behaviors. For example, the odds ratio for having multiple sex partners is 2.10 (P<.018) if a person has been physically abused, and 2.28 (P<.047) if a person has been sexually abused.

Conclusion: The findings support the anecdotal field reports that IPV is a risk factor for HIV-related sexual behaviors. HIV prevention and treatment providers should consider offering, as part of their service mix, services for IPV.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the relationship between intimate partner violence and sexually risky behaviors
• Explore the implications of study findings for HIV/AIDS service providers

Keywords: HIV Risk Behavior, Sexual Risk Behavior

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.

Recorded presentation