The Intersection of Intimate Partner Violence Perpetration and Sexual Risk Behavior Among Young Men in Tanzania: A Latent Class Analysis of Patterns and Outcomes.

Abstract

Few studies of intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetration and sexual risk behavior among men have examined how multiple dimensions of these behaviors intersect in ways that may uniquely elevate health risks. The current study used latent class analysis to: (1) identify distinct patterns of IPV and sexual risk behavior in a sample of Tanzanian men (n = 985) and (2) examine associations between identified patterns and health outcomes. Four classes were identified: normative (64% of the sample), IPV only (14%), sexual risk only (13%), and comorbid IPV/sexual risk (5%). Compared to men in the normative subgroup, men in the comorbid group had significantly higher odds of STI infection, higher perceived HIV risk, and greater odds of substance use. Findings provide evidence that engaging in IPV and multiple sexual partnerships (i.e., a comorbid pattern) denotes elevated health risks across a range of indicators, suggesting the importance of targeted treatment and prevention efforts for men in this subgroup.