Tamora A. Callands

The Many Faces of Manhood: Examining Masculine Norms and Health Behaviors of Young Fathers Across Race

This study examined the relationship between the traditional masculine norms (“status,” “toughness” and “antifemininity”) of 296 ethnically and racially diverse, young men transitioning to fatherhood and substance use (smoking, alcohol, marijuana, hard drugs) and health behaviors (diet, exercise). Participants were recruited from urban obstetric clinics in the Northeast United States. Logistic and multiple regression equations were constructed to examine the relationship between masculine norms and health behaviors. Moderator effects were also examined. Masculine norm “status” was most endorsed and “antifemininity” was least endorsed. African American young men had higher masculine norm scores than Latino and Whites. Different masculine norms were associated with health-promoting and health-undermining behaviors. Different racial groups who had higher scores on some masculine norms were more likely to engage in either health-promoting or health-undermining behaviors when compared with other ethnic groups in this study. These results observed different relationships between the traditional masculine norms measured and the substance use and health behaviors of diverse, young men transitioning to fatherhood. This may have implications for intervention strategies and future research.

Healthcare utilisation and empowerment among women in Liberia

Background Many efforts have been undertaken to improve access to healthcare services in low-income settings; nevertheless, underutilisation persists. Womens lack of empowerment may be a central reason for underutilisation, but empirical literature establishing this relationship is sparse. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study using data from the 2007 Liberia Demographic and Health Survey. Our sample included all non-pregnant women who were currently married or living with a partner (N=3925 unweighted). We used multivariate logistic regression to assess the associations between constructs derived from the Theory of Gender and Power (TGP) and healthcare utilisation. Results Two-thirds of women (65.6%) had been to a healthcare facility for herself or her children in the past 12 months. Constructs from the three major theoretical structures were associated with healthcare utilisation. Women with no education, compared with women with some education, were less likely to have been to a healthcare facility (OR=0.76; 95% CI 0.62 to 0.93) as were women who had experienced sexual abuse (OR=0.65; 95% CI 0.45 to 0.95) and women who were married (OR=0.69, 95% CI 0.54 to 0.88). Women in higher wealth quintiles, compared with women in the next lower wealth quintile, and women with more decision-making power had greater odds of having been to a healthcare facility (OR=1.22; 95% CI 1.10 to 1.36 and OR=1.10; 95% CI 1.01 to 1.20; respectively). Conclusions Strong associations exist between healthcare utilisation and empowerment among women in Liberia, and gender imbalances are prevalent. This fundamental issue likely needs to be addressed before large-scale improvement in health service utilisation can be expected.

“Love Hurts”: Romantic Attachment and Depressive Symptoms in Pregnant Adolescent and Young Adult Couples

OBJECTIVE The current study investigates the relationship between romantic attachment style and depressive symptoms between both members of pregnant adolescent and young adult couples. METHOD Participants were 296 pregnant young females (mean age = 18.7) and their male partners (mean age = 21.3; 592 total participants) who were recruited from obstetrics and gynecology clinics in Connecticut. The dimensions of avoidant and anxious romantic attachment were assessed using the Experiences in Close Relationships Inventory. Depressive symptoms were measured using the Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression Scale. RESULTS Results showed that avoidant attachment and anxious attachment were significantly positively related to depressive symptoms. Multilevel modeling for partner effects revealed that anxious attachment and depressive symptoms in partners were significantly positively associated with depressive symptoms CONCLUSION Findings underscore the importance of considering couples-based approaches to supporting the transition to parenthood and developing the necessary self and relationship skills to manage attachment needs and relationship challenges.

Who is at risk for intimate partner violence victimization: using latent class analysis to explore interpersonal polyvictimization and polyperpetration among pregnant young couples

The purpose of our study was (a) to use latent class analyses to identify subgroups of interpersonal polyvictimization and polyperpetration among young pregnant couples and (b) examine actor–partner effects of latent classes on current intimate partner violence (IPV) victimization. Data were collected from 296 pregnant young couples recruited at obstetrics and gynecology clinics. A 3-latent class model emerged for women: Polyvictim-Polyperpetrator, Nonvictim-Nonperpetrator, and Community and Prior IPV Victim. A 4-latent class model emerged for men: Community and Prior IPV Victim, Polyvictim-Nonpartner Perpetrator, Prior IPV and Peer Victim, and Nonvictim-Nonperpetrator. Using the actor–partner independence model, actor effects of the women’s Polyvictim-Polyperpetrator class and men’s Polyvictim-Nonpartner Perpetrator class related to greater odds of IPV victimization compared to women and men in the Nonvictim-Nonperpetrator classes.

Psychological and relational correlates of intimate partner violence profiles among pregnant adolescent couples

We sought to identify relationship and individual psychological factors that related to four profiles of intimate partner violence (IPV) among pregnant adolescent couples: no IPV, male IPV victim only, female IPV victim only, mutual IPV, and how associations differ by sex. Using data from a longitudinal study of pregnant adolescents and partners (n = 291 couples), we used a multivariate profile analysis using multivariate analysis of covariance with between and within-subjects effects to compare IPV groups and sex on relationship and psychological factors. Analyses were conducted at the couple level, with IPV groups as a between-subjects couple level variable and sex as a within-subjects variable that allowed us to model and compare the outcomes of both partners while controlling for the correlated nature of the data. Analyses controlled for age, race, income, relationship duration, and gestational age. Among couples, 64% had no IPV; 23% male IPV victim only; 7% mutual IPV; 5% female IPV victim only. Relationship (F = 3.61, P < .001) and psychological (F = 3.17, P < .001) factors differed by IPV group, overall. Attachment anxiety, attachment avoidance, relationship equity, perceived partner infidelity, depression, stress, and hostility each differed by IPV profile (all P < .01). Attachment anxiety, equity, depression and stress had a significant IPV profile by sex interaction (all P < .05). Couples with mutual IPV had the least healthy relationship and psychological characteristics; couples with no IPV had the healthiest characteristics. Females in mutually violent relationships were at particularly high risk. Couple-level interventions focused on relational issues might protect young families from developing IPV behaviors. Aggr. Behav. 43:26-36, 2017.

(S)He's Gotta Have It: Emotion Regulation, Emotional Expression, and Sexual Risk Behavior in Emerging Adult Couples

ABSTRACT Emotion regulation and emotional expression may be important factors which contribute to sexual risk behavior among emerging adults, yet research exploring their relation is limited. Further, the influence of a romantic partner is unclear. The current study aims to a) investigate association between emotional difficulties and sexual risk behavior (e.g., sexual compulsivity and sensation-seeking) and b) explore the influence of a romantic partner on individual sexual risk. Participants were 49 couples (n = 98) participating in a randomized control pilot intervention. Results demonstrated that individual and partner emotional difficulties were associated with sexual risk behavior. Results did not vary by gender.

Investigating Intimate Partner Violence Victimization and Reproductive Coercion Victimization Among Young Pregnant and Parenting Couples: A Longitudinal Study.

Objective: Intimate partner violence (IPV) victimization and reproductive coercion place young women at risk for poor health. However, very few studies have examined the associations between IPV victimization and reproductive coercion among young couples or investigated these associations longitudinally. Method: Data were collected during 2007–2011 from 296 pregnant adolescent and young couples enrolled in a prospective study. Couples were recruited at obstetrics and gynecology, and ultrasound clinics. Results: Using the actor–partner interdependence model, results indicate significant actor and partner effects for IPV victimization and reproductive coercion victimization. The actor’s prebirth IPV victimization and the actor’s and partner’s reproductive coercion victimization in a past relationship related to reproductive coercion victimization in the current pregnancy. The partner’s reproductive coercion victimization in the current pregnancy related to psychological IPV victimization at the 6-month follow-up, but this relationship dissipated at the 12-month follow-up. Conclusions: A complex, co-occurring relationship exists between IPV victimization and reproductive coercion among young pregnant and parenting couples. Young couples transitioning from pregnancy to parenthood who experience reproductive coercion may be at risk for IPV. Pregnancy and parenting programs targeting young couples should be sensitive to the relationship between IPV and reproductive coercion victimization.

Reproductive coercion and prenatal distress among young pregnant women in Monrovia, Liberia

Abstract Women who experience reproductive coercion are at risk for poor reproductive health, but no study has examined prenatal distress as a consequence. Using cross-sectional data of 195 pregnant women aged 18–30 in Monrovia, Liberia, we examined the association between reproductive coercion and prenatal distress. The prevalence of current reproductive coercion was 9%. Young pregnant women who experienced reproductive coercion had more prenatal distress than women without these experiences. Reproductive coercion can heighten pregnancy-specific concerns for young Liberian women. Family-planning programs and providers should assess current reproductive coercion among young pregnant women and find ways to help women mitigate pregnancy concerns.

Risk Factors for and Consequences of Substance Use in Post-Conflict Liberia: A Qualitative Study

Substance use has a significant impact on post-conflict populations; however, little is known about this critical issue in Liberia. This study examined the current risk factors for and consequences of substance use in Monrovia, Liberia. In-depth interviews were conducted with 20 substance users and 21 key informants. Findings support that Liberia’s civil war played a role in increasing substance use, but also that additional risk factors continue to generate substance use today. This study provides insights into the roles of civil war and additional risk factors for substance use in Liberia. Recommendations for substance use-related policies and programs are provided.

Examining relationships of intimate partner violence and food insecurity with HIV-related risk factors among young pregnant Liberian women.

ABSTRACT Gender inequities place women at an increased risk for HIV acquisition, and this association may particularly disenfranchize young pregnant women. Intimate partner violence (IPV) and food insecurity may contribute to gender differences in power, thereby influencing HIV disparities between women and men. Factors influencing gender disparities in HIV are unique and country-specific within sub-Saharan Africa, yet these factors are understudied among women in Liberia. This paper sought to examine the unique contributions and intersections of intimate partner violence (IPV) and food insecurity with HIV-related risk factors among young pregnant women in Liberia. Between March 2016 and August 2016, cross-sectional data collected from 195 women aged 18–30, residing in Monrovia, Liberia who were receiving prenatal services were used to examine the independent and interaction effects of IPV and food insecurity on HIV-related risk factors (i.e., sexual partner concurrency, economically-motivated relationships). IPV (31.3%) and food insecurity (47.7%) were prevalent. Young women who experience IPV are more likely to report food insecurity (p < 0.05). Young women who experienced IPV and food insecurity were more likely to start a new relationship for economic support (ps < 0.05). Young women who experience IPV and food insecurity were more likely to report engaging in transactional sex (ps < 0.05). There were no significant interaction effects between IPV and food insecurity (ps > 0.05). IPV and food insecurity each uniquely heighten young Liberian women’s vulnerability to HIV. Intervention and policy efforts are need to promote and empower women’s sexual health through integrated sexual and reproductive health services, and reduce IPV and food insecurity among pregnant Liberian women.