FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE VULNERABILITY TO STDS AND HIV/AIDS AMONG HISPANIC WOMEN

Abstract

Self-esteem, motivation for sexual health, and sexual risk behaviors as indicated by condom use and number of sex partners was explored in a sample of 140 Hispanic women of childbearing age (18–44 years). The researchers used Cox's Interaction Model of Client Health Behavior (IMCHB) as the conceptual framework for the study. They found that 70% (n = 79) of single women reported condom use with their most recent sexual partner, and 49% (n = 55) of single women reported more than one sexual partner in the last 12 months. Self-esteem and motivation for sexual health were significantly associated (r =. 42, p =.001), although only the latter was related to condom use among single women (r =. 29, p =. 01). Women who reported higher self-esteem were less likely to worry about acquiring sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Despite public information about STDs, including HIV/AIDS, a proportion of these women and their partners are vulnerable to these diseases. Health promotion implications are discussed.