Describing Relationship Characteristics and Postpartum HIV Risk Among Adolescent, Young Adult, and Adult Women in South Africa

Abstract

PurposeThe aim of the study was to characterize sexual relationships in pregnancy and HIV risk behavior in the first 14 weeks postpartum among adolescent (aged <18 years), young adult (aged 18–24 years), and adult women (>24 years). MethodsWe use bivariate and multivariate statistical tests to describe differences across adolescent (n = 29), young adult (n = 263), and adult women (n = 207). ResultsIn pregnancy, adolescents were in significantly less stable relationships and had higher risk partners than young adult or adult women. At 14 weeks postpartum, adolescents were significantly more likely to think their partners were having concurrent relationships since delivery and were likely to have lower relationship power than adult women. Furthermore, young adults were significantly more likely to return to sex and report physical intimate partner violence in the first 14 weeks postpartum than adult women. ConclusionsAdolescent mothers may benefit from interventions that promote empowerment and the development of healthy relationship skills. Young adult women may benefit from interventions to delay early postpartum engagement in unprotected sex and prevent intimate partner violence exposure. All women, regardless of age group, may benefit from interventions that increase access to pre-exposure prophylaxis and partner's access to HIV testing during the perinatal period.