Examining relationship/ family planning factors & sexual relationship power among immigrant latinos in the United States: Actor-partner interdependence model

The increasing Latino population has the highest short inter-pregnancy intervals, which is associated with significantly increased risk of adverse perinatal outcomes. One cause of short inter-pregnancy intervals is unintended pregnancies (half of all pregnancies in the US). Use of family planning (FP) methods and involvement of both members of the couples are needed, however many barriers exist. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the associations between relationship/FP factors and sexual relationship power (SRP).

In a cross-sectional design, a convenience sample of 40 heterosexual Latino immigrant couples was recruited (women were pregnant). Variables measured include SRP, communication, sexual decision-making, FP barriers and relationship factors. Actor-partner interdependence model (APIM) was used for data analysis. This method accounts for dyad sample, effects of their own responses as well as influences of their partners'.

There were similarities and differences among men and women's results: sexual communication had a significant positive association with SRP among both men and women (beta=0.01552, p=0.081; beta=0.01284, p=0.004). Men's FP barrier had a negative association with SRP(beta=-0.01607, p<0.0001); and women's relationship satisfaction had a positive association with SRP (beta=0.03257, p=0.0001).

Sexual decision-making conversations among couples should optimally begin before initiation of sexual activity and continue throughout the couples' active sexual relationship. Considering the study findings, there needs interventions that take into consideration of SRP and associated factors for both men and women. Therefore, couples' communication can be facilitated to make known each other's will and thoughts and promotes healthy reproductive life.