title: Attachment and associated sexual health behaviors of heterosexual Mexican housewives.
abstract: Sexually transmitted infections including human immunodeficiency virus are international public health concerns. Heterosexual women who are in steady relationships have been described as a particularly vulnerable population at risk for sexually transmitted infections acquired from their male partners. In this pilot study, we describe associations identified via cross-sectional survey among demographic variables, attachment style, and condom use in Mexican heterosexual women (ages 20-44 years, n  =  50) who self-reported current steady partner relationships. Descriptive, bivariate, and correlation analyses were conducted. Secure attachment and condom use were positively correlated with education level. Limited sexual risk prevention knowledge and contraception use, low risk perception within male partner relationships and misconception about proper condom use were identified as sources of elevated risk for sexually transmitted infections via male partners. Implications of findings include sexual health intervention modification to include dialogue concerning the context of steady relationship and sexual risk among Mexican heterosexual women.
authors.affiliation: Instituto de Seguridad y Servicios Sociales de los Trabajadores del Estado, Monterrey, Mexico.
authors.forename: Norma Elva
authors.initials: NE
authors.lastname: Saenz Soto
authors.forename: Raquel A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Benavides-Torres
authors.forename: Jane
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Dimmitt Champion
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D017280:Condoms; D003268:Contraception Behavior / Q000208:ethnology / Q000523:psychology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D020010:Heterosexuality / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D017533:Marital Status; D008800:Mexico; D010865:Pilot Projects; D021841:Safe Sex / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000523:psychology*; D057566:Self Report; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D055815:Young Adult