title: Self-perceived risk of HIV among women with protective orders against male partners.
abstract: Previous research indicates that many individuals who perceive themselves to be at no risk of HIV have recently engaged in risky sexual behaviors (Klein et al., 2003; Schroder et al., 2001). Because HIV risk has been associated with partner violence (Maman et al., 2000), it is important to examine self-perceived risk and actual sexual risk behaviors among partner violence victims. Findings are from a study of adult women (N = 569) who were recruited from courts after they had obtained a protective order against a male intimate partner. Two groups were developed on the basis of self-reported perceptions of risk of HIV at the time of the interview (n = 341, no chance; n = 228, some to high chance). Three main findings from this study are discussed: (1) The number of sexual partners and illicit drug use were associated with women's self-perceived risk of HIV; (2) sexual behaviors within the relationship with the abusive partner were not associated with self-perceived risk; and (3) severity of physical violence and frequency of threatened or forced sex in the abusive relationship were not associated with self-perceived risk of HIV. Implications for social work practice are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, University of Kentucky, Lexington 40503, USA. jecole2@uky.edu
authors.forename: Jennifer
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Cole
authors.forename: T K
authors.initials: TK
authors.lastname: Logan
authors.forename: Lisa
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Shannon
mesh_terms: D000704:Analysis of Variance; D018585:Battered Women / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000523:psychology* / Q000635:transmission; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D012307:Risk Factors; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000523:psychology; D012747:Sexual Partners / Q000523:psychology; D013179:Spouse Abuse / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000523:psychology; D016387:Women's Health