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Relationship Power, Sexual Decision Making, and HIV Risk Among Midlife and Older Women
Joanne Altschuler1, Siyon Rhee
1a School of Social Work , California State University , Los Angeles , CA.
Journal of Women & Aging
|April 1, 2015
Summary
Midlife and older women, particularly women of color, face increasing HIV/AIDS risks. Higher self-esteem and relationship power correlate with better sexual decision-making and condom use in this demographic.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Women's Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- The prevalence of HIV/AIDS is rising among midlife and older women, with a disproportionate impact on women of color.
- Understanding psychosocial factors influencing HIV risk in this population is crucial for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between self-esteem, relationship power, and HIV risk behaviors in midlife and older women.
- To identify factors predicting safer sex practices, specifically condom use, within this demographic.
Main Methods:
- A pilot study surveyed 110 ethnically, economically, and educationally diverse women aged 40 and older in the Greater Los Angeles Area.
- Data collected included levels of self-esteem, general relationship power, sexual decision-making power, safer sex behaviors, and HIV knowledge.
Main Results:
- Higher self-esteem was associated with greater general relationship power.
- Both higher general relationship power and self-esteem correlated with increased sexual decision-making power.
- Income and sexual decision-making power were significant predictors of condom use.
Conclusions:
- Psychosocial factors like self-esteem and relationship power play a vital role in HIV risk and safer sex practices among midlife and older women.
- Findings underscore the need for tailored HIV/AIDS research and interventions addressing the unique needs of this growing population.
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