Safe sex and women
Sherr, L.; Strong, C.
Genitourinary Medicine 68(1): 32-35
1992
ISSN/ISBN: 0266-4348 PMID: 1548009 DOI: 10.1136/sti.68.1.32Document Number: 318781
Sexual behavior, condom use, HIV knowledge, and anxiety in women were examined in order to understand the range of sexual behaviors, predictors of safer sex, and the extent of relapse. 153 women drawn from a pool of consecutive attenders at the Central London STD Clinic participated in this cross-sectional sample through interviews and questionnaires. 1/4 of the sample did not respond to safe sex and an additional 14% were unable to maintain it over time. Anxiety and knowledge did not differ between the safe and relapsed groups, but self-efficacy and cognitive variables did. Those who maintained safe sex had significantly less sex. 10% of the sample had unprotected anal intercourse. Most of the women were involved in longer term relationships; however 1/4 had sex outside of the relationship and 1/5 stated that their partners also did. HIV information gathering was passive and 74% felt they could not protect themselves against infection. High concern over HIV was monitored. Condom uptake was low for most of the participants and nonexistent for those who indulged in anal intercourse. 25% participated in HIV testing and these women did not differ significantly in terms of their behavior from those women who went untested. HIV risks for women are a source of anxiety and tailored intervention is necessary to reduce risk and promote dialogue and negotiation.