Abstract

This study explored the relationship between Intimate Partner Violence and HIV Risk-Propensity in African-American women. Current literature on HIV reveals that one of the groups most seriously impacted by the continued scourge of HIV is African-American heterosexual women. An anonymous questionnaire was completed by a community based sample of 200 African American women with a varied history of intimate partner violence to (1) explore whether a relationship exists between Intimate Partner Violence and sexual coercion in African-American women (2) determine whether a relationship exists between sexual coercion and HIV Risk in African-American women (3) determine if the frequency of intimate partner violence impacts the HIV-risk of African-American Women (4) determine if the ability of African-American women to negotiate condom use is affected by being in a violent relationship, and (5) determine if there is a relationship between Intimate Partner Violence and increased HIV-risk propensity among African-American women. Various statistical techniques, including structural equation modeling (SEM), bivariate correlation analyses and ANOVA were used to examine the data. A strong positive correlation was found to exist between sexual coercion and Intimate Partner Violence. Specifically, the frequency of physical abuse, and feeling frightened by what a partner says or does were found to be highly correlated with sexual coercion. Moderate levels of correlation were also found between sexual coercion and frequency of being emotionally abused. Statistically significant regression weights indicate that when Intimate Partner Violence increases, sexual coercion also increases. Moderate and high correlations were also found between sexual coercion and ability to negotiate condom use. Statistically significant standardized regression weights indicate that as sexual coercion increases HIV Risk also increases. Moderate correlations also exist between being in a violent relationship and being able to negotiate condom use. Standardized regression weights reveal that as IPV increases HIV Risk also increases. The frequency of Intimate Partner Violence was also shown to impact the levels of sexual coercion, likelihood of having a partner with a STD, and the likelihood of have a partner who uses intravenous drugs. In the effort to fortify prevention strategies, and reduce the rates of HIV infection in African-American women, additional factors that impact disease transmission were discussed and suggestions for future research were made.

Notes

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Graduation Date

2006

Semester

Fall

Advisor

Abel, Eileen

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

College

College of Health and Public Affairs

Department

Public Affairs

Format

application/pdf

Identifier

CFE0001454

URL

http://purl.fcla.edu/fcla/etd/CFE0001454

Language

English

Release Date

October 2018

Length of Campus-only Access

None

Access Status

Doctoral Dissertation (Open Access)

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