Battle R, Cummings G, Krasnovsky F, Saliba P, Di Clemente R, Siegel D; International Conference on AIDS.
Int Conf AIDS. 1993 Jun 6-11; 9: 801 (abstract no. PO-D03-3503).
Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, University of California, San Francisco.
OBJECTIVES: To examine HIV testing patterns and behavioral characteristics of low income African American mothers or female guardians of young children, who were not from identified HIV high risk groups such as IV drug users, prostitutes or STD clinic clients. METHODS: 131 women were interviewed from a larger study on AIDS knowledge and beliefs among elementary school children. We investigated whether they had been tested for HIV, number and types of sex partners, and condom use. Differences in age, length of relationship and number of times of condom use by HIV testing status were assessed using chi-square analyses and point bi-serial correlation coefficients. RESULTS: Forty-one percent (41%) of all women had been tested; 44% of the women tested had been tested more than once; 36% of the tested women were married while 44% were single. The most common reason given for not being tested was that there was "no reason" or "no need". During their last intercourse, 20% of the tested women had used condoms compared to 50% of the untested women (p < .01). Being tested was associated with more sexual partners-both lifetime and during the last five years (p < .05); having a partner who used IV drugs (p < .05); and currently having another partner in addition to a main partner (p < .05). Sixteen percent (16%) of the women had a partner other than the primary partner, and of those, 68% had been tested. CONCLUSION: The low use of condoms and the moderate percentage of multiple testing among tested women suggests that once tested, women may no longer see themselves at risk. This suggests that women who get tested may develop a false sense of security from negative results. Even women who do not fall into high risk groups may encounter high risk conditions, creating a need to be tested. Thus, it becomes critical to develop additional HIV/AIDS educational programs that addresses women who appear to be "not at risk".
Publication Types:
Keywords:
- Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
- African Americans
- Child
- Condoms
- Condoms, Female
- Female
- HIV Infections
- Humans
- Mothers
- Poverty
- Research Design
- Safe Sex
- Sexual Partners
Other ID:
UI: 102206801
From Meeting Abstracts