Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 8, 2026

Collection, Isolation, and Flow Cytometric Analysis of Human Endocervical Samples
Published on: July 6, 2014
Heterosexual Risk for HIV Among Puerto Rican Women: Does Power Influence Self-Protective Behavior?
Janet Saul1, Fran H Norris, Kelly K Bartholow
1Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Surveillance, and Epidemiology, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Rd, NE, Mailstop E-45; Atlanta, Georgia 30333 ( jsh3@cdc.gov ).
Abstract:
Lack of power in relationships has been offered as an explanation for why women do not always engage in safer sex behavior with male partners. However, few studies have empirically tested the association between power and self-protective behavior. Causal modeling procedures were used to examine the interrelations of seven measures of power and to examine the effects of power on women's HIV-related communication and condom use with male partners. Power was measured by education, employment, decision making, perceived alternatives to the relationship, commitment to the relationship, investment in the relationship, and absence of abuse in the relationship. The sample comprised 187 Puerto Rican women, aged 18-35 years, attending a comprehensive health clinic in the Bronx, New York, who were at risk for heterosexual transmission of HIV. Women who were currently employed and those who were more committed to their relationships reported less HIV-related communication. Condom use was predicted by shorter length of the relationship, more education, current employment, less investment in the relationship, and more HIV-related communication.
Related Concept Videos
Amebiasis
Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin create...
Relationship Formation
Sexually Transmitted Infections
Hazard Ratio
For example, in a clinical trial evaluating a...
Relative Risk