Sexual relationship power, intimate partner violence, and condom use among minority urban girls.
This study examined the association between sexual relationship power, intimate partner violence, and condom use among African American and Hispanic urban girls. In this sample of 56 sexually active girls, 50% did not use condoms consistently and therefore were at higher risk for acquiring HIV or sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Teens who experienced more intimate partner violence had a significantly higher likelihood of inconsistent condom use and therefore a greater risk for HIV/STDs. Girls' sense of sexual control in their relationships was not directly associated with inconsistent condom use but was inversely related to verbal and emotional abuse. Interventions aimed at reducing HIV/STD risk for adolescent girls need to address patterns of dominance and control in adolescent relationships as well as multiple forms of partner violence. This suggests the need for multilevel intervention approaches that promote girls' agency and multiple ways to keep girls safe from perpetrators of partner abuse.
Teitelman
Anne M
AM
Center for Health Disparities Research, School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Room 244 (2L), Fagin Hall, 418 Curie Blvd. Philadelphia, PA 19104-6020, USA. teitelm@nursing.upenn.edu
Ratcliffe
Sarah J
SJ
Morales-Aleman
Mercedes M
MM
Sullivan
Cris M
CM
D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior / Q000523:psychology; D001741:Black or African American / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D000374:Aggression / Q000523:psychology; D017280:Condoms / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003380:Courtship; D005260:Female; D006630:Hispanic or Latino / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D010414:Pennsylvania / Q000453:epidemiology; D000297:Psychology, Adolescent; D012307:Risk Factors; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012649:Self Concept; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013179:Spouse Abuse / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D014505:Urban Population / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D055815:Young Adult