197360 An analysis of three theories as it relates to risky sexual behavior among African American Adults

Tuesday, November 10, 2009: 12:30 PM

Mandy J. Roberts, DrPH, MPH , Emergency Medicine, University of Texas, Medical School, Houston, TX
     
Objective: To depict behavioral and environmental factors contributing to risky sexual behaviors among high school educated, low-income African Americans residing in urban areas of Houston, TX, utilizing the three theories: TGP, SEVT, and SST.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted via questionnaires among 215 Houston area residents, 149 were women and 66 were men. Variables used to assess behaviors of participants included a history of homelessness, use of crack/cocaine among other illicit drugs, type of sexual partner, age of participant, age of most recent sex partner, health care seeking behaviors in the last 12 months, knowledge of partner's other sexual activities, symptoms of depression, and places where partner's were met. In an effort to determine sexual risk, a risk index employing variables used to assess condom use was created, categorizing sexual encounters as unsafe or safe.

Results: Variables with a p<.15 for the bivariate analysis of each theory were entered into a binary logistic regression analysis. The findings for each theory were significant, suggesting that grouping by theory revealed a significant association with unsafe sexual behaviors. Specified variables demonstrated an effect size of ≥ ± 1, indicating a significant effect between these variables and unsafe sexual behavioral practices.

Conclusions: Variables assessing behavior and environment demonstrated a significant effect when categorized by relation to designated theories.

Learning Objectives:
Describe the behavioral and environmental factors that contribute to risky sexual behaviors resulting in outcomes such as HIV/AIDS. List the behavioral and environmental factors that contribute to other sexually transmitted infections among vulnerable populations.

Keywords: HIV Interventions, HIV Risk Behavior

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: the content was developed during my dissertation phase as a doctoral student and the content was written by me.
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.

See more of: HIV/AIDS Research
See more of: HIV/AIDS