Body appreciation, sexual relationship status, and protective sexual behaviors in women.
The relationship between body appreciation and sexual risk reduction behavior in women is under-explored. This cross-sectional study examined the relationships between body appreciation, male condom use, and sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing among a community-based sample of women (n=285). Logistic regression results revealed that after controlling for age, BMI, and sexual orientation, having more than one sexual partner moderated body appreciation and current male condom use (OR=4.21, p<.01, CI=1.510-11.726). Body appreciation was not a significant predictor of STI testing in the previous 12 months. This suggests that women with higher body appreciation may be more likely to engage in some protective sexual health behaviors. Interventions that seek to improve body appreciation instead of body size change such as weight loss or gain may encourage certain protective sexual behaviors in women.
The University of Kansas School of Social Welfare, 1545 Lilac Road, Lawrence, KS 66045, United States. Electronic address: ginnywinter@ku.edu.
Virginia Ramseyer
VR
Winter
Department of Health, Sport, and Exercise Sciences, University of Kansas, Robinson Center 161F, 1301 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045, United States. Electronic address: Satinsky@ku.edu.
Sonya
S
Satinsky
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D001828:Body Image / Q000523:psychology*; D017280:Condoms / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D012747:Sexual Partners / Q000523:psychology; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology*; D014930:Women / Q000523:psychology; D055815:Young Adult
Body appreciation; Condom use; Protective sexual behaviors; STI testing; Sexual relationships