Predictors of condom use and HIV testing among midlife and older women seeking medical services.
OBJECTIVE
This study examines correlates and predictors of sexual HIV risk reported by a sample of midlife and older women (M age = 56.01 years, SD = 4.34).


METHODS
In sum, 1,280 participants were recruited from primary health clinics and a hospital emergency department.


RESULTS
Of those women in a heterosexual relationship (n = 623), 73% reported having vaginal sex in the past 6 months. Only 12% of these women reported always using a condom during vaginal sex; 45% reported having been tested for HIV. Logistic regression analyses revealed that condom use is associated with more education, being employed, living with a partner, and being HIV positive. HIV testing is associated with being younger, unemployed, and not living with a partner.


CONCLUSIONS
These results (a) demonstrate that midlife and older women are at risk for HIV/AIDS and (b) contribute to a growing understanding of the risk picture involved with such women.
Columbia University School of Social Work, 1255 Amsterdam Avenue, New York, NY 10027, USA.
Mary
M
Sormanti
Tazuko
T
Shibusawa
D015492:AIDS Serodiagnosis / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D000368:Aged; D017280:Condoms / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000175:diagnosis*; D020010:Heterosexuality; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D012307:Risk Factors; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D014481:United States