Intimate Partner Characteristics: Understanding their Association with Sexually Transmitted Infections among African American Women

• In Event: 322 - Section on Medical Sociology Roundtable Session
  In Refereed Roundtable: Table 17. Sexual Health

Abstract

African American women are the least likely sociodemographic group to date outside their race. Research suggests the limited pool of eligible African American male partners may facilitate African American women’s engagement in high risk behaviors, thereby increasing their likelihood of contracting sexually transmitted infections (STI). Using data from 566 heterosexual African American women, this study examines intimate partner characteristics as correlates of lifetime STI prevalence. Bivariate results indicate that women with an STI were significantly more likely to have dated a man who was married, 10 or more years older, had sex with another man, had concurrent sexual partnerships, or had been incarcerated. Multivariate regression results, controlling for covariates, reveal that having dated a man with concurrent partnerships or who was incarcerated are positively associated with having an STI. Findings suggest that African American women’s choice of intimate partner place them at greater risk of STIs. Implications are also presented.

Authors

• Carrie B. Oser, University of Kentucky

• Erin Leigh Pullen, University of Kentucky

• Danelle Stevens-Watkins, University of Kentucky

• Michele Staton-Tindall, University of Kentucky

• Carl Leukefeld, University of Kentucky