HIV Risk Status and Preventive Behaviors Among 17,619 Women

Abstract

To document the percentage of women at high risk for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection among primary care clients, identify their most prevalent risk factors for HIV infection, and examine the relationships between risk status and preventive behaviors for HIV infection. Cross-sectional. Urban and nonurban primary care clinics. Female clients (N = 17,619) who voluntarily completed an HIV risk-assessment form. HIV risk status, condom use, and previous HIV testing. Using criteria from the Centers for Disease Control, the study found 14% of the sample to be at high risk for HIV infection. Prevalent risk factors were having sex with persons at high risk for AIDS, having sex with more than six persons in a year, and having more than two sexually transmitted diseases. Women at high risk were more likely to be older, urban, and black. Overall, rates of consistent condom use and HIV testing were low, 12% and 7%, respectively. Older women, coupled women, and women of color were least likely to use condoms consistently. Women at low risk were less likely to have had HIV tests. To prevent HIV infection, nursing interventions can target women of all ages, especially urban and black women. Nurses should use strategies and skills to promote condom use that are different from those they use to encourage HIV testing.