171444 Women's relationship characteristics: HIV risk behaviors and knowledge

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Carl Leukefeld, DSW , Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, Lexington, KY
Jennifer Havens, PhD, MPH , Center on Drug & Alcohol Research, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
Carrie B. Oser, PhD , Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
Michele Staton-Tindall, PhD , Center for the Study of Violence Against Children, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
Hannah Knudsen, PhD , Department of Behavioral Science, Lexington, KY
Jennifer Mooney , Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
James A. Inciardi, PhD , Center for Drug and Alcohol Studies, University of Delaware, Coral Gables, FL
Hilary L. Surratt, PhD , Center for Drug and Alcohol Studies, University of Delaware, Coral Gables, FL
Linda K. Frisman, PhD , CT Dept Mental Health & Addiction Services, Research Division MS # 14 RSD, Hartford, CT
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.

Learning Objectives:
1. Discuss the rationale for the importance of relationships for woman and why women can adapt their sexual behaviors to their partners. 2. Describe at least three women's relationship characteristics which are associated with HIV risks. 3. Articulate two major findings for relational power and HIV risks and HIV knowledge among incarcerated women.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am the Principal Investigator on the NIDA grant.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

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