Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #98633

Annie M. Dude, MA, Harris School of Public Policy, University of Chicago, 1155 South 60th Street, Chicago, IL 60637, 773-665-9960, anniemd@uchicago.edu

While prevalence of the HIV/AIDS virus in most Central Asian countries has not yet reached the levels found in some nations of Sub-Saharan Africa, there exists potential for the infection to move beyond high-risk groups into the general heterosexual population. Preventative policies aimed at curbing HIV and STI infections in these countries have focused on woman-based initiatives, such as the use of condoms. The threat or reality of domestic violence, as well as the subservient economic status of women within the household, might undermine these prevention campaigns as women might not have the autonomy within intimate relationships to protect themselves. Using Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) data from Kazakhstan, I explore the relationship between perceptions of the acceptability of domestic violence and increased risky sexual behaviors of women, such as increased frequency of unprotected sex and the ability of women to protect themselves against partners with known sexually-transmitted infections. I look at whether men more accepting of violence also have an increased number of partners. I also explore how these perceptions and behaviors have changed over time, and how they vary across ethnic groups. I conclude by exploring what these results might mean for HIV prevention campaigns.

Learning Objectives: After this session, participants will be able to

• articulate whether domestic violence affects risky sexual behaviors in Central Asia, and to quantify this relationship.
• will understand what role preventing domestic violence will play in preventing sexually transmitted infections, including HIV/AIDs.

Keywords: STD, Domestic Violence

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.