Abstract
In a sample of 163 low-income African American women, we used logistic regression analyses to test for associations between (a) 5 operationalized constructs theorized in the Sexual Health Model to impact one's overall sexual health (barriers to healthy sexuality, sexual anatomy and functioning, positive sexuality, sexual health care, and cultural identity) and (b) several measures of risky sexual behavior (consistent condom use, multiple concurrent partnerships, and overall sexual risk). No significant relationship was found between acculturation and risky sexual behaviors. Having sexual difficulties was positively associated with overall sexual risk and multiple concurrent partnerships. Favorable attitudes toward condoms were positively associated with consistent condom use. Desiring or intending pregnancy was positively associated with inconsistent condom use and overall sexual risk behavior. This is only the second study linking sexual difficulties and risky sexual behavior. The exact nature of this correlational relationship needs to be studied and replicated in different and more heterogeneous populations.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 224-237 |
| Number of pages | 14 |
| Journal | Journal of Sex Research |
| Volume | 42 |
| Issue number | 3 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Aug 2005 |
Bibliographical note
Funding Information:Note. The Women's Initiative for Sexual Health (WISH) was a collaborative effort between faculty and staff at the Program in Human Sexuality (University of Minnesota Medical School, Department of Family Medicine & Community Health) and three community-based organizations: Turning Point, Inc., African American Family Services, and Minneapolis Urban League. The WISH intervention was funded by the Minnesota Department of Health (AIDS/STD Prevention Services Section, #1742-634-9027), and its evaluation by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (AIDS/STD Prevention Services Section, Program Evaluation Research Branch, #U62/CCU513219).
