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AIDS and Behavior
Published in: AIDS and Behavior 4/2012

01-05-2012 | Original Paper

Victimization and Sexual Risk Behavior in Young, HIV Positive Women: Exploration of Mediators

Authors: Gretchen A. Clum, Shang-En Chung, Jonathan M. Ellen, Lori V. Perez, Debra A. Murphy, Gary W. Harper, Lauren Hamvas

Published in: AIDS and Behavior | Issue 4/2012

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Abstract

In this study we explore associations between child and adult victimization and sexual risk behavior in 118 young, HIV positive women. Prior research has demonstrated associations between victimization and engagement in sexual risk behavior. Victimization sequelae can include disrupted assertiveness and communication, as well as increased association with risky partners, both of which are also linked with engagement in sexual risk behavior. Thus, we propose a model wherein victimization is linked to sexual risk behavior through two mediating pathways, sexual communication and affiliation with risky partners. We also examine the moderating effects of the presence of an anxiety or depressive disorder on the path from child to adult victimization. Results suggested that adult victimization was associated with unprotected sex with a main partner; however, this association was mediated by less sexual communication and having a risky partner. Trends toward significance were found for depression and anxiety as a moderator of the relationship between child and adult victimization. Child victimization did not have direct effects on unprotected sex. Implications for secondary prevention of HIV and healthy intimate relationships are discussed.
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Metadata
Title
Victimization and Sexual Risk Behavior in Young, HIV Positive Women: Exploration of Mediators
Authors
Gretchen A. Clum
Shang-En Chung
Jonathan M. Ellen
Lori V. Perez
Debra A. Murphy
Gary W. Harper
Lauren Hamvas
Publication date
01-05-2012
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
AIDS and Behavior / Issue 4/2012
Print ISSN: 1090-7165
Electronic ISSN: 1573-3254
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10461-011-9931-0

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