297604
An assessment of sexual risk among HIV negative women tested in an emergency department setting
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Objective: This study was designed to fill the gap in knowledge by assessing the sexual risk taking behaviors of HIV negative women.
Methods: A semi-validated survey was given to 18 women, aged 18-49 years, presenting to the emergency department for non-emergent health conditions. All participants were tested for HIV. Negative results were confirmed by patient health records.
Results: A frequency analysis confirmed behavioral norms strongly associated with a negative HIV status among these women included practicing protected sex, having low number of sex partners, choosing low-risk partners, possessing a strong knowledge of HIV transmission and being self-conscious when deciding to have sex.
Conclusion: Our study was the first to identify behavioral norms among HIV negative women in our community. Our research findings validate the influence of “risky sexual behaviors” on HIV status, as stated in the literature. Prevention efforts benefit from knowing behavioral norms of the HIV negative community, as such knowledge empowers community members sustain a HIV negative status.
Learning Areas:
Administer health education strategies, interventions and programsImplementation of health education strategies, interventions and programs
Planning of health education strategies, interventions, and programs
Program planning
Public health or related education
Social and behavioral sciences
Learning Objectives:
Assess the sexual risk taking behaviors of HIV negative women seeking non-emergency care in an emergency department setting.
Keyword(s): Behavioral Research, HIV Risk Behavior
Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: As a co-author on this abstract and the related manuscript, I am qualified to be an abstract author on the content. I participated in the analysis and writing of this abstract and related manuscript.
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.