Predictors of Risky and Precautionary Sexual Behaviors Among Single and Married White Women¹

Abstract

Risky and precautionary sexual behaviors were examined in a community sample of 260 single and married/cohabitating White women. Structural equation modeling was used to assess the ability of age, socioeconomic status (SES), marital status, religiosity, and 9 health belief constructs to predict risky sexual behavior with one's partner, using a barrier method of birth control, unintended pregnancies, and number of sexual partners in the past year. The pattern of results suggests that single White women appear to feel more vulnerable to HIV and STD infection and more likely to engage in risky sexual behavior than do married White women. The discussion focuses on the importance of sociocultural factors in understanding risk behaviors within the social context of relationship status, the complexity of the concept of risk reduction, and the need for going beyond the health belief model in order to develop different HIV prevention strategies for single and married White women.

Associations Between Religious Involvement and Behavioral Risk Factors for HIV/AIDS in American Women and Men in a National Health Survey

“…Religious involvement has been found to be associated with abstinence [12,14], delay in sexual debut and lower rates of intercourse [13,27]. In adult female community samples, religious involvement was not predictive of contraceptive decision making [22] or risky sexual behaviors [23]. This is not consistent with the current findings for attendance.…”

“…It was concluded that religious involvement may serve as a protective factor due to reduced sexual risk taking. However, two other studies found that religious involvement was not a significant predictor of contraceptive decision-making [22] and risky sexual behaviors [23] in adult female community samples. In summary, although not all studies are consistent with a protective role of religiosity, the majority of studies suggest that religious involvement is negatively associated with sex-related HIV risk behaviors.…”

Predictors of sexual risk‐taking among new drug users

“…For example, demographic variables such as gender, age, educational attainment, race, and marital status have been associated with HIV risk (Klein, Elifson, Sterk, & Theall, 2002;Newcomb et al, 1998;Smereck & Hockman, 1998;Wayment et al, 2003). In addition, childhood maltreatment, including physical, sexual, and emotional abuse and neglect, has been linked to HIV risk in adulthood (Bensley, Eenwyk, & Simmons, 2000;Morrill, Kasten, Urato, & Larson, 2001).…”

Correlates of risky alcohol use among women from Appalachian Ohio.

“…Heavy episodic drinking also is associated with a broad range of risk behaviors, including tobacco use and risky sexual activity, such as unprotected sex and multiple sex partners (Hutton et al, 2008). Younger, single women may be more vulnerable as they are more likely to engage in risky sexual behavior than their married counterparts (Wayment et al, 2003). …”