215813 Loneliness Sexual Risk Model: Measuring the Impact of Loneliness on Sexual Risk Behaviors among African American Women

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Sherrye McManus, MSW, MSPH , College of Health Sciences, Walden University (IRB Approval # 01-11-10-0300248), Minneapolis, MN
Heidi Mach, BS , Department of Health Science, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM
Despite the glaring disparities between African American women and other racial/ethnic subgroups at increased risk for HIV, epidemiologic studies that examine psychosocial and cultural correlates of HIV sexual risk taking among minority women remains limited. The same can be said of loneliness with very few epidemiologic studies that investigate the distribution of loneliness in the American population let alone in racial/ethnic groups. Narrowing this knowledge gap is the purpose of this study. Accordingly, the research goal of the study is to predict risky sexual behavior (RSB) in relation to romantic emotional loneliness, substance use, and sexual compulsivity/sexual sensation seeking. The research questions and hypotheses were developed based on the constructs of the Loneliness and Sexual Risk Model (LSRM). A quantitative cross-sectional study design will be employed within a non-probability sample of 102 Black females between the ages of 25 and 44 residing in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. Paper surveys will be employed to collect data on the variables of interest. Correlational and regression analyses of models conforming to the LSRM will be employed to analyze data. By determining how loneliness, the use of alcohol and other drugs, and compulsive behaviors influence sexual-risk taking, health care providers, educators, social workers, and policymakers are better informed when creating effective HIV/AIDS, other STI, and substance abuse prevention practices, programs, and policies; ultimately, fostering reductions in the incidence of these public health problems.

Learning Areas:
Diversity and culture
Planning of health education strategies, interventions, and programs
Program planning
Public health or related education
Public health or related research
Social and behavioral sciences

Learning Objectives:
To describe the Loneliness Sexual Risk Model (LSRM). To discuss the relationship between romantic emotional loneliness, substance use, sexual compulsivity/sexual sensation seeking, and risky sexual behavior, among African American women. To discuss the implications for findings on the development of effective HIV/AIDS, other STI, and substance abuse prevention practices, programs, and policies.

Keywords: African American, Risk Behavior

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am qualified because I administer and monitor a major Federal Program that includes public health issues related to substance abuse prevention and treatment activities, as well as HIV early intervention and outreach services. Additionally, I possess Masters Degrees in social work and public health. Lastly, I have been involved in the delivery of substance abuse prevention and treatment services since 1993.
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.