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01-05-2010

Economic Dependence and Unprotected Sex: The Role of Sexual Assertiveness among Young Urban Mothers

Authors: Katie Brooks Biello, Heather L. Sipsma, Jeannette R. Ickovics, Trace Kershaw

Published in: Journal of Urban Health | Issue 3/2010

Abstract

In the USA, sexual intercourse is the leading route of human immunodeficiency virus transmission among women, primarily through their main partner. Because male condom use is not directly under a woman's control, gender inequalities may help shape this sexual risk behavior. To examine this association, data came from follow-up interviews of young, primarily minority, pregnant women enrolled in a prospective, randomized controlled trial. Specifically, we aimed to determine the relationship between economic dependence on a male partner and condom use, and to establish whether this relationship was mediated by sexual assertiveness. Overall, 28% of women reported being economically dependent on a male partner. Young women dependent on a male partner were 1.6 times more likely to report not using a condom at last sex than women not dependent on their partner (95% confidence interval = 1.11–2.32; p = 0.01). Sexual assertiveness mediated the relationship between economic dependence and condom use (Sobel = 2.05, p = 0.04). Coupled with past research, this study supports the premise that sexual behaviors may be rooted in a complex web of social determinants. Addressing gender inequalities in contextual factors may promote healthier decisions within sexual relationships.

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Title: Economic Dependence and Unprotected Sex: The Role of Sexual Assertiveness among Young Urban Mothers
Authors: Katie Brooks Biello
Heather L. Sipsma
Jeannette R. Ickovics
Trace Kershaw
Publication date: 01-05-2010
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Journal of Urban Health / Issue 3/2010
Print ISSN: 1099-3460
Electronic ISSN: 1468-2869
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11524-010-9449-1

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

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Economic Dependence and Unprotected Sex: The Role of Sexual Assertiveness among Young Urban Mothers

Abstract

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

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