Using data from an NIMH-funded randomized clinical trial, we examined HIV risks associated with intimate partner violence (IPV) among women attending an urban primary healthcare clinic serving a low-income, minority community. Logistic regression analyses were performed using sociodemographic, IPV, and HIV risk data from 1366 women in heterosexual relationships. RESULTS: The median age of participants was 35 years, with 42% identifying as African American and 53% as Latina. Almost one in five women (19%) reported a history of experiencing physical and/or sexual IPV, with 14% experiencing abuse within the preceding six months. African Americans were more likely than Latinas to report current abuse (OR=1.6, 95%CI: 1.2-2.3) as well as any history of IPV (OR=1.6, 95%CI: 1.2-2.1). Compared to women who reported never experiencing physical or sexual abuse, those with a past history or current experience of violence had significantly more current sexual partners, and were more likely to report the following: a past or current STD (OR=2.6, 95%CI: 2.0-3.4); a partner with known HIV risk factors (e.g., injected drugs, has an STD, multiple sexual partners, etc.) (OR=3.3, 95%CI: 2.3-4.8); and not using condoms during every instance of penetrative sex (OR=2.1, 95%CI: 1.2-3.6), instead being more likely to never use condoms (OR=2.0, 95%CI: 1.1-3.5) or use them less than half the time (OR=3.4, 95%CI: 1.6-7.3). CONCLUSION: Urban, low-income, minority women experiencing IPV are at elevated risk for HIV infection. Contextually appropriate assessment of HIV risk, as well as HIV prevention programs, must take account of the presence or experience of IPV. See www.columbia.edu/cu/ssw/sig/
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to: (1) Recognize and describe the associations between the experience of intimate partner violence and risk for HIV infection; (2) Improve and enhance procedures used to assess HIV risk by integrating an evaluation of intimate partner violence; and (3) Create more contexually appropriate HIV prevention and intervention programs which take into account the history and experience of intimate partner violence
Keywords: Domestic Violence, HIV/AIDS
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Columbia University School of Social Work Social Intervention Group
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.