Women's relationship characteristics: HIV risk behaviors and knowledge

Background: This study examines the association between women's relationship characteristics and HIV risks and knowledge. The HIV infection rate is higher among women prisoners than the general population (Maruschak, 2004). Relationships are important because women adapt their sexual behaviors to their partners (Covington, 1998). However, little is known about the association of partner relationships and HIV risk behaviors and knowledge.

Methods: Data were collected during the Reducing Risky Relationships for HIV protocol from women inmates as part of the NIDA Criminal Justice Drug Abuse Treatment Studies cooperative agreement. Dependent variables are sex exchange participation and HIV knowledge using the HIV Knowledge Questionnaire (HIVKQ-18) and relationship characteristics using the Sexual Relationship Power Scale. ANOVA and logic regression were used to examine these associations.

Results: Of the 304 women, 68% were white with a median age of 35. Only 14.5% were married. Before incarceration, 35.2% used crack daily and 25% used marijuana and/or prescription opiates daily. Women with more relationship power had significantly greater HIV knowledge (p=0.02) and women who thought that participating in risky sex would enhance their relationship had significantly lower HIVKQ scores, indicating less HIV knowledge (p<0.001). Women with greater relationship power were 56% less likely than those with low relationship power to have ever engaged in trading sex for drugs or money (OR: 0.44, 95% CI: 0.25, 0.77).

Conclusions: Findings highlight the strong association between women's relationship characteristics and HIV risk behaviors and knowledge, which underscores the importance of providing interventions that address relationships for incarcerated women.