Partner Approval Research Articles

Knowledge, Awareness, Perceptions, and Use of Emergency Contraceptives among Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence

The study examines emergency contraception (EC) knowledge, awareness, perceptions, and prior use and identifies predictors of EC use among a sample of survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV). The majority (66.2%) of 154 survivors at risk of pregnancy reported EC awareness, only 15.3% reported prior EC use. Logistic regression identified perceived abusive intimate partner approval (OR = 2.25; 95% CI = 1.15–4.41) and lack of moral/religious objections (OR = 12.83; 95% CI = 5.48–30.03) as the strongest predictors of EC use. Health care provider interventions acknowledging barriers to EC use, such as partner approval, and education that improves awareness of and knowledge about EC, may have the impact of empowering survivors in their reproductive choices, reducing unwanted pregnancies.

Mediation analysis of an effective sexual risk-reduction intervention for women: The importance of self-efficacy.

Sister-to-Sister: The Black Women's Health Project is a skill-building HIV/STD risk-reduction intervention for African American women that had significant effects in reducing self-reported sexual risk behavior and biologically confirmed sexually transmitted disease (STD) incidence. The present analyses were conducted to identify which theory-based factors that were addressed in the intervention accounted for its success. The data were collected in the context of a randomized, 5-group intervention trial with assessments at baseline and at 3, 6, and 12 months following the intervention. A mediation analysis was conducted with condom use at last sex, self-reported 12 months after the intervention, as the outcome variable. Mediators were also measured at the 12-month follow-up. Mediators were derived from social cognitive theory: condom use knowledge, hedonistic beliefs regarding effects of condom use, expected sex partner reactions to condom requests, sex partner approval of condom use, self-efficacy for impulse control, self-efficacy for carrying condoms, and self-efficacy to achieve consistent condom use with partner. The intervention significantly improved all potential mediators except condom use knowledge (p = .15), hedonistic beliefs (p = .08), and self-efficacy for impulse control (p = .20). Analyses testing each mediator separately revealed that expected partner reaction, partner approval of condom use, self-efficacy for condom carrying, and self-efficacy for condom use were significant mediators. When they were entered into a multivariate mediation analysis, however, only self-efficacy for condom use was significant (p = .001). These results highlight the importance of self-efficacy in explaining the effects of skill-building sexual risk-reduction interventions on women's use of condoms. Self-efficacy was more important than characteristics of male partners.

The Importance of Discreet Use of the Diaphragm to Zimbabwean Women and their Partners

We conducted a 6-month acceptability study of diaphragms as a potential HIV/STI prevention method among Zimbabwean women. We examined partner involvement in diaphragm use, and importance of discreet use (use without partner awareness). Of the 181 women who completed the study, 45% said discreet use was "very or extremely important" and in multivariate logistic regression, women were more likely to value discretion if their partners: had other partners; drank alcohol; or were believed to prefer condoms to diaphragms. Qualitative data confirmed these findings. Both women and their partners reported that diaphragms can be used discreetly and saw this as advantageous, for both sexual pleasure and female control. However, many were concerned that use without partner approval could lead to marital problems. Discreet use should be considered in development of barrier methods and in diaphragm promotion, if proven effective against HIV/STI.

Fertility Cycle Patterns in Motives for Sexual Behavior

Three studies examined the relationship between fertility, as indexed by day in cycle or salivary estradiol levels, and reported motives for sexual intercourse. Data from university and community samples in both cross-sectional and repeated-measures designs showed that sex-for-intimacy motives are endorsed significantly less by women who are relatively more fertile or show higher salivary estrogen levels. Sex for enhancement, self-affirmation, and partner approval also declined, although the data were less consistent. The remaining motives (coping and power) showed no consistent patterns across fertility status. Results suggest that sexual motives are rooted partly in woman's biology and are discussed in terms of plausible evolutionary mechanisms that might promote female "choosiness" at midcycle.

What can you do for me?: Attachment style and motives underlying esteem for partners

Two event-contingent diary studies investigated whether people of different attachment styles value partners for different reasons (e.g., self-esteem regulation, closeness). In Study 1, preoccupied individuals more positively regarded partners when they provided help with self-regulatory functions, and they did so to a greater extent than either secure or dismissing-avoidant individuals. In Study 2, preoccupied and fearful-avoidant individuals were more likely to want to gain approval from partners. Also, when preoccupied individuals obtained partner approval, they valued their partner more, and they did so to a greater extent than secure individuals. Continuous attachment measures produced weaker findings, but people higher in anxious-ambivalence generally showed patterns similar to those found for preoccupied individuals. Findings suggest that the process by which people come to positively view their partners may vary depending on their attachment-related goals.

Factors associated with condom use among at-risk women students and nonstudents seen in managed care

Objectives Sexually transmitted diseases (STD) research has focused on high-risk populations such as STD clinic patients and college students. This report examines predictors of unprotected sex among nonstudent women seen in primary care. Study design Data are taken from the baseline survey of an intervention trial testing tailored print materials to encourage condom use. Population Eligible women were identified from automated databases of two managed care organizations and were ages 18–25, unmarried, heterosexually active in the prior 6 months, and not in a long-term monogamous relationship. Outcomes The frequency of and relative contribution of risk behaviors to occurrences of unprotected vaginal sex were compared among non-full-time students ( n = 711) and full-time students ( n = 390). Results STD risk behaviors were prevalent and had similar associations with unprotected sex in both subsamples. Older age, using hormonal or no usual contraception, and having a “primary” partner increased unprotected sex; partner approval of condoms and having bought or carried condoms decreased unprotected sex. Conclusion While sexually active single women seen in primary care perceive themselves at low STD risk, their risk profiles are similar to those of higher risk populations. Clinic-based interventions that include proactive identification of at-risk women and systems for encouraging safer sex practices are needed.

Cervical cancer screening: knowledge of Pap smear benefits and utilization in Mexico

To identify and evaluate the predisposing factors regarding the utilization of the Pap smears in the population seen in the Cervical Cancer Screening Program in Mexico A cross-sectional study was conducted from January 1997 through December 1998 in Mexico city. A questionnaire was applied to a total of 2,107 women of reproductive age who attended a family planning program and data was collected regarding the following topics: social-demographics, reproductive risk factors associated with cervical cancer, sexual behavior and partner history, birth control, knowledge about Pap smear' benefits, and its utilization. Statistic analysis was conducted using Student' s test and non-conditional multiple logistic regression model for determining significance. The predisposing factors were: knowledge about Pap smear's benefits (OR=6.00, CI 95% 4.70-7.67), history of using at least two birth control methods (OR=2.38, CI 95% 1.75-3.24), previous history of vaginal infection (OR=2.18, CI 95% 1.73-2.75), sexual partner's approval of gynecological examinations (OR=1.56, CI 95% 1.07-2.29). Educational programs on cancer prevention in this population should include the benefits of screening tests. Pap smears for Mexican women of reproductive age are mostly offered opportunely. The previous use of health services is a determinant factor for the utilization of the Cervical Cancer Screening Program. These results show the need to strengthen health promotion programs to women at high risk of cervical cancer and their sexual partners.

Predicting Intentions and Condom Use Among Latino College Students

To understand the factors that predict Latinos' risk-associated behavior, this study examined whether favorable beliefs about condoms and select moderator variables are related to stronger intentions to use condoms and more reported condom use at most recent vaginal and anal intercourse among Latino college students. Latino students who attended a public university in the northeast United States were mailed a paper-and-pencil questionnaire. Results from completed questionnaires (n = 199) indicated that students who perceived greater partner approval of condom use, perceived greater peer approval of condom use, and expressed confidence in their ability to control themselves reported stronger intentions to used condoms. Perceived partner approval and impulse control was related to self-reported condom use at most recent vaginal intercourse, impulse control was related to self-reported condom use at most recent vaginal intercourse, and impulse control was related to self-reported condom use at most recent anal intercourse. These relations did not significantly differ by Hispanic ethnicity, religiosity, gender, or age. Results suggest that normative beliefs and control beliefs regarding impulse control may be especially salient in both predicting and changing condom use behavior and should be incorporated into nursing assessments and tailored interventions.

New Life from an Old Field-PKCU #2 Waterflood

Abstract The Pembina Keystone Cardium Unit #2 is located on the eastern edge of the Pembina Cardium oilfield. PKCU #2 has been on primary depletion for over 40 years and was nearing the end of its economic life. In late 1995 the Pembina Exploitation Team within Canadian Oxy decided to review the area in detail one last time. The final result of the exhaustive work, which included core floods, geological review, a 3D simulation, facilities and production optimization review, and a reservoir depletion plan, was a large scale waterflood on a depleted field. It is expected that the recovery factor for the waterflood will be 20% as compared to the primary recovery factor of 11%. The over 10,000,000 BOEs of incremental reserves will be developed for < $3.00/BOE. Waterflood start up was anticipated for late summer 1998. Author's Note Since this paper was originally written the following actions have taken place. CanadianOxy and Working Interest Owner approval was granted in the third quarter of 1997. Facilities Engineering and Operations began the process of consultation with area residents and gaining pipeline right of ways. Construction was set to begin in the Summer of 1998. Within CanadianOxy at that time a review of our properties was conducted. It was decided that all of CanadianOxy's Pembina properties would be sold. All work in the field was suspended. PKCU #2, along with the rest of CanadianOxy's Pembina properties, were sold to Penn West Petroleum in December 1998. Penn West is currently reviewing a scaled down version of the Keystone Waterflood. Introduction With the discovery of the Pembina Oilfield in the mid-1950s rapid development drilling was followed by the implementation of a waterflood. Most of the Pembina Cardium was under waterflood by the mid-1960s. The main western portion of the Pembina Cardium, centered around the town of Drayton Valley, was developed using waterflood on 80-acre spacing 5-spots. The southeastern portion of the Pembina Cardium, centered around the Village of Breton, was anomalous. Most of it was developed on 160 acre spacing on primary depletion. PKCU #2 is located in the SE portion of the field. Historically any secondary recovery scheme at PKCU #2 was deemed to be too risky for some of the following reasons:The overlying conglomerate would act as a thief zoneThe low reservoir pressureThe old geologic model of the sandstone which consisted of independent sand lenses was poor for waterfloodingThe value of the gas and liquids The uncertainty and risk with waterflooding PKCU #2 meant that the project could never get corporate and partner approval until some of the following questions were answered:Can you successfully waterflood a reservoir with high gas saturation and low pressure?What is the true geologic model?What is the cost of implementing a waterflood?What production and recovery could be anticipated?What is the downside risk? The 1995 Waterflood study included the following elements which were meant to answer all questions and concerns:

Factors influencing condom use among African American women: implications for risk reduction interventions.

Examined factors associated with condom use in a community-based sample of 423 sexually active African American women. Measures were selected to reflect the components in prevailing models of health behavior. Condom users were higher on AIDS health priority, prevention attitudes, stage of change, behavioral intentions, reported more frequent and comfortable sexual communication with partners, perceived greater partner and peer approval for condom use, and reported that peers also used condoms. Women in exclusive relationships evidenced earlier stage of change, lower intentions to use condoms, fewer peers who engaged in preventive behaviors, perceived themselves to have lower risk, and had lower rates of condom use, higher education, and family income. Women in fluid relationships were at particularly high risk, with lower rates of condom use relative to women not in a relationship and greater sexual risk for HIV. Implications for HIV-risk reduction interventions with African American women are discussed.

Determinants of Couple Agreement In U.S. Fertility Decisions

An analysis of data from 8,450 women interviewed in 1988 for the National Survey of Family Growth finds that teenagers, never-married women, black women and those with less than a high school education are less likely than other women to have a birth that is jointly desired by both partners; 29%, 35%, 45% and 51% of births, respectively, are wanted by both partners, compared with an overall average of 69%. Third and higher order births are also less likely than earlier births to be jointly planned--58%, compared with 69% of first births and 76% of second births. In situations in which the birth is not jointly planned, black women, unmarried women, teenagers and women having third or higher order births are all significantly more likely than other women in their race, marital status, age and birth-order categories to have a birth when the man's preference is unknown. Never-married women are significantly more likely than married women to have a birth when the woman desires one but the man does not, while black women are significantly more likely than white women to have a birth that the man wanted but that the woman did not.

Tailoring Family Planning Services to the Special Needs of Adolescents

Experimental service protocols tailored to the needs of teenage family planning patients were developed that emphasized indepth counseling, education geared to an adolescent's level of development, and the provision of reassurance and social support. These protocols were tested against usual service delivery practices in a study involving 1,261 patients under 18 years of age at six nonmetropolitan family planning clinics. A comparison with teenagers obtaining services at control sites found that six months after their first clinic visit, patients at the experimental sites were more likely to be using a method, were less likely to experience difficulty in dealing with problems, were more likely to continue using their method despite problems and had learned more during the educational session. Teenage patients at the experimental clinics were also less likely to have become pregnant within one year than those who went to control clinics. Attrition during the year following the first study visit was similar among both groups; patient satisfaction was very high, and equivalent at experimental and control sites. The data show that the extra time and effort required to meet the special needs of teenagers is justified by their improved contraceptive use, greater knowledge and lower pregnancy rates.

Success with penile prosthesis from patient's viewpoint

This study is designed to explore the patient's point of view on success with penile prosthesis. Detailed questionnaires were sent to 57 penile prosthesis recipients, 38 of whom responded. Overall, 89 per cent claimed improved sexual satisfaction, and 76 per cent noted improved self-image with their prostheses. Seventy-six per cent claimed their partners approved of the prosthetic device. Prosthetic appearance was satisfactory to 87 per cent. Five patients, knowing what they now know, would not have had the prosthetic implantation. A significant factor in 4 of the 5 patients was lack of partner approval. We conclude penile prosthesis implantation is successful in returning satisfactory sexual intercourse to impotent men and their partners. Partners of those desiring penile prosthesis should be included in the preoperative evaluation process.