Sheryl Thorburn Bird

Relationship Power, Sexual Decision Making and Condom Use Among Women at Risk for HIV/STDs

ABSTRACT This study examines the associations among relationship power, sexual decision-making dominance, and condom use within a sample of women at risk of HIV/STDs. Data from face-to-face interviews with 112 women were analyzed to (a) describe who women perceive as more powerful and who makes sexual decisions within their heterosexual relationships, (b) explore the association between relationship power and sexual decision-making dominance, and (c) examine the relationship of power and decision making regarding condom use to condom use behavior. Women were recruited from clinics and community locations in Atlanta, Los Angeles, Oklahoma City and Portland, OR. Participants were 18–25 years of age and were primarily Hispanic and African American. Over half (58.2%) reported that they share power with their partner, 25.5% said they have more power, and 16.4% reported that their partner has more power in their relationship. For the five domains of sexual decision-making examined, over half (50.5%-75.7%) of the women reported that they and their partners make decisions together. A higher percentage of women who perceived that they have more power or share power, as compared to those who perceived that their partners have more power, reported that “I/We” make decisions about birth control use, condom use, whether to have sex, and type of sexual activity. Relationship power was not associated with condom use. Condom use was, however, significantly higher among women who reported that they make decisions about using condoms alone or with their partner as compared to those who reported that their partner makes those decisions.

Health-related correlates of perceived discrimination in HIV care.

Negative interactions with health care providers can have important implications for the health and health care of HIV-positive individuals. The purpose of this study was to examine perceptions of race-based and socioeconomic status (SES)-based discrimination during interactions with HIV treatment providers. We recruited 110 individuals (17% female, 51% white) living with HIV from an AIDS service organization in a midwestern city. Results indicated that the majority of participants had perceived discrimination in their interactions with providers when getting treatment for HIV. More specifically, 71% reported having experienced discrimination when receiving treatment for HIV based on their race or color, and 66% reported discrimination attributed to their socioeconomic status, position, or social class. However, participants indicated that they experienced discrimination infrequently. No significant racial/ethnic differences in reports of discrimination were observed. In addition, greater race-based and SES-based discrimination were each associated with greater levels of depression and posttraumatic stress symptoms, greater severity of AIDS-related symptoms, lower perceived general health, and less health care satisfaction. Greater SES-based discrimination was also related to lower adherence to antiretroviral medications. Our findings suggest that experiences with discrimination when getting treatment have important implications for the health and health care of HIV-positive individuals. It is important to note, however, that discrimination based on HIV status or sexual orientation was not assessed and may have affected the results. Studies that explore perceptions of discrimination based on other factors among HIV-positive individuals may improve understanding of the nature, extent, and consequences of discrimination in patient-provider interactions.

A conceptual model of women's condom use intentions: Integrating intrapersonal and relationship factors.

Abstract We developed and tested a multifaceted model of condom use intentions with cross-sectional data from 435 heterosexual women at risk for HIV/STIs. In addition to traditional intrapersonal variables drawn from established models of HIV prevention (e.g. attitudes, norms, self-efficacy), the present study examined the role of relationship factors and dynamics (i.e. relationship commitment, duration, condom use and pregnancy prevention decision-making) in shaping condom use intentions. In some cases, relationship variables were directly associated with condom use intentions. In other cases their effects on condom use intentions were mediated by intrapersonal constructs. The final model accounted for 66% of the variance in condom use intentions and confirmed the importance of integrating intrapersonal variables and relationship characteristics and dynamics in understanding womens intentions to use condoms. These results offer important insights for the design of interventions directed at promoting condom use among young women at risk for HIV/STIs and underscore the need to design prevention programs that address relationship characteristics and dynamics.

Sexual decision making and safer sex behavior among young female injection drug users and female partners of IDUs

Data from interviews with 94 young women who were injection drug users (IDUs) or partners of IDUs were analyzed to examine associations between self‐reported sexual decision making and condom use, contraceptive use, and relationship characteristics. Most women (73–85%) reported participating in decisions about condom use, contraception, and when to have sex. Adjusting for potential covariates, respondents who reported participating in decisions about condom use and when to have sex were 7 and 19 times, respectively, more likely than others to report recently using condoms. Respondents who reported participating in decisions about contraception were 20 times more likely than others to report recently using contraceptives. Longer sexual relationships were associated with decreased likelihood, of condom or contraceptive use.

What makes women feel powerful? An exploratory study of relationship power and sexual decision-making with African Americans at risk for HIV/STDs.

ABSTRACT Because of the importance of relationship power and cultural norms on womens ability to protect themselves from HIV/STDs, effective interventions must address power differentials among men and women. These programs need to be informed by and adapted to the cultural values of the target population. Accordingly, we conducted exploratory interviews with 22 young African American women at risk of HIV/STDs and unintended pregnancy and their male partners regarding the meaning of power in heterosexual relationships, what makes a woman feel powerful in a relationship with a man, and who makes sexual and reproductive decisions in their relationships. Content analyses suggested that relationship power was linked to control and decision-making for most participants; yet, others appeared to associate power with positive relationship qualities such as respect and security. In addition, most participants reported that they shared decision-making about sexual and reproductive matters with their partners. Subsequently, interviews were conducted with another 40 women to explore and identify cultural beliefs regarding what makes women feel powerful in their relationships with their husbands or partners. Cultural consensus analysis was performed and results indicated that the participants comprise a cultural group with shared beliefs about what makes women feel powerful in their relationships. Participants believed that womens sense of power in their relationships came from (1) knowing what they want and having autonomy and control; (2) the quality of their relationships; (3) having resources to provide for their families; and (4) physical attractiveness and sexual factors.

Who continues using the diaphragm and who doesn't: implications for the acceptability of female-controlled HIV prevention methods

OBJECTIVES This study examines the acceptability of the diaphragm with the aim of facilitating the development of female-controlled human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevention methods. More specifically, we assess associations between being a current (vs. former) diaphragm user and characteristics that are hypothesized to influence the acceptability of contraceptive methods; and explore reasons for discontinuing use of the diaphragm among former diaphragm users. DESIGN The study involved a cross-sectional telephone survey with women who were members of a nonprofit health maintenance organization and who were either a current (n = 215) or former (n = 172) diaphragm user. METHODS Participants were interviewed about the importance of contraceptive attributes; perceptions for the diaphragm; diaphragm use self-efficacy; perceived risk of and motivation to avoid pregnancy, HIV, and other sexually transmitted infections; and demographic characteristics, sexual, and contraceptive behavior. RESULTS The likelihood of being a current diaphragm user (vs. former) increased with age, greater confidence in being able to use the diaphragm, greater perceived risk of pregnancy and more positive perceptions of the diaphragm. Women who valued attributes of hormonal contraceptives were less likely to be current users. Former diaphragm users reported that the following reasons were moderately to extremely important in their decision to stop using the diaphragm: difficulty inserting or removing the diaphragm (50.8%), dislike of leaving the diaphragm inside the vagina (46.8%), and wanting a more effective method for preventing pregnancy (44.2%). CONCLUSIONS The findings suggest that specific characteristics of a product influence continued use and have implications for improving the acceptability of existing and new female-controlled HIV prevention methods.

Disease ecology and a reformist alternative: The case of infant mortality

This paper attempts to shed some light on the recent debate between those who advocate a reformed medical geography and those who respond that reform is not necessary. We show that disease ecology and a reformist alternative display certain tendencies in the ways in which they address issues of health and disease. We use the example of geographic variations in infant mortality rates to show how two non-positivist perspectives from social theory, political economy and humanism, support a reformist viewpoint, while also acknowledging the value of a complementary disease ecology approach. Two concepts, the social construction of health and illness and social relevance, are used to portray the political economy approach; humanism is described in terms of the meaning of individual experience and the importance of place. The paper concludes with a discussion of the respective roles of disease ecology and a reformist approach in models of infant mortality and a summary of the main differences between the two perspectives.

Acceptability of the Vaginal Diaphragm Among Current Users

CONTEXT Interest in the diaphragm has been growing, in part because it is a female-controlled method that might protect against HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). A better understanding of diaphragm acceptability is needed. METHODS In 2001-2002, female members of a managed care organization were interviewed by telephone. The 215 participants, aged 19-49, who reported diaphragm use during the past three months were asked about their experience with the method and background characteristics. Characteristics associated with womens satisfaction with and consistent use of the diaphragm were identified through multiple logistic regression analysis. RESULTS Most participants had a low risk for HIV and other STDs. The mean duration of diaphragm use was 8.5 years. Although only 42% of participants reported consistent use in the past three months, most were satisfied with the method (79%) and planned to use it at next vaginal intercourse (85%). Satisfied users had significantly higher diaphragm use self-efficacy and more positive perceptions of the method than those not satisfied. Consistent use was significantly associated with older age and having had some college education rather than none. More than half of women cited dissatisfaction with previous methods (72%) and provider recommendation (61%) as moderately to extremely important in their decision to begin diaphragm use. When asked what they would change about the diaphragm, 32% mentioned concerns related to inserting or removing it. CONCLUSIONS From an acceptability point of view, the diaphragm appears to be a viable candidate for a female-controlled method for prevention of HIV and other STDs. Our findings have important implications for the reintroduction of the traditional diaphragm and development of new diaphragm-like products.

Power in Relationships and Influencing Strategies for Condom Use: Exploring Cultural Beliefs among African American Men

Interviews were conducted with 40 young African American men at risk of HIV/STIs and unintended pregnancy to explore cultural beliefs regarding 1) what makes men feel powerful in their relationships and 2) mens influencing strategies for condom use. Cultural consensus analyses were performed. Results indicated that the participants comprise a cultural group with shared beliefs about mens feelings of power and influencing strategies for condom use. Participants identified several factors that make men feel powerful (e.g., when they are able to provide for their families, are in control and make final decisions in their relationships). Regarding what men do to get their partners to use condoms, participants believed that men 1) use interactive strategies such as offering reasons for condom use; 2) use a variety of strategies involving condoms themselves; and 3) just ask their partners to use condoms. These cultural beliefs have important implications for HIV/STI and pregnancy prevention.