The Effects of Intimate Partner Violence Chronicity on Personal‐ and Partner‐Mediated Sexual Risk Behaviors

Abstract

<h2>Paper Presentation</h2><h3>Objective</h3> To explore the relationship between the chronicity of intimate partner violence (IPV) and personal‐ and partner‐mediated sexual risk behaviors that may increase women's risk for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV. <h3>Design</h3> A retrospective review of existing medical record data. <h3>Setting</h3> Four reproductive health clinics in the northeast United States. <h3>Sample</h3> The final sample size was 2,000. The majority of the participants were between the ages of 15 and 26. <h3>Methods</h3> A bio‐behavioral conceptual model exploring the relationship between IPV, coercion, control, and reproductive health provided the framework for the study and guided the selection of study variables. Data were extracted from a random sample of 2,000 charts. Inclusion criteria were female, reproductive age (menarche through menopause), and seeking reproductive health services. Two standardized questions from the medical record were used to assess for experiences of violence and create a chronicity of violence variable. Adjusted logistic regression models examined the associations between chronicity of IPV and personal sexual risk behaviors (number sexual partners, drug/alcohol use, anal sex) and partner‐influenced sexual risk factors (nonmonogamy, STI risk, condom nonuse). Institutional Review Board approval was granted for the study. <h3>Results</h3> Approximately 29% (<i>n</i> = 570) of women reported a history of partner violence. Number of sexual partners during the past year, history of STIs, drug and/or alcohol use prior to intercourse, and anal sex were all significantly associated with partner violence and chronicity of violence. All lifetime experiences (as measured by chronicity) of partner violence were significantly associated (<i>p</i> ≤ .05) with partner‐mediated sexual risks (condom nonuse, partner nonmonogamy, and partner at risk for having an STI). Violence during the past year (OR = 5.37, CI 2.7‐10.8), past 5 years (OR = 9.01, CI 2.2‐37.7), and distant violence only (OR = 5.57, CI 3.4‐9.2) all increased the odds of having sex without a condom. <h3>Conclusion/Implications for Nursing Practice</h3> IPV is associated with STI/HIV risk among women, but less is known about mechanisms of this association and whether chronicity of violence is a factor. The study findings extend the knowledge related to partner violence as a risk factor for STIs/HIV and highlight the effects of partner violence chronicity on the health of women. Assessing for lifetime experiences of violence and current IPV will improve outcomes for women and their families. The study findings will guide future inquiry in the long‐term consequences of IPV and improve our understanding how partner violence, and specifically chronicity of partner violence, relates to types of sexual risk behaviors/factors.