Sexual relationship power, intimate partner violence, and condom use among minority urban girls

Abstract

This study examined the association between sexual relationship power, intimate partner violence, and condom use among African American and Hispanic urban girls. In this sample of 56 sexually active girls, 50% did not use condoms consistently and therefore were at higher risk for acquiring HIV or sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Teens who experienced more intimate partner violence had a significantly higher likelihood of inconsistent condom use and therefore a greater risk for HIV/STDs. Girls' sense of sexual control in their relationships was not directly associated with inconsistent condom use but was inversely related to verbal and emotional abuse. Interventions aimed at reducing HIV/STD risk for adolescent girls need to address patterns of dominance and control in adolescent relationships as well as multiple forms of partner violence. This suggests the need for multilevel intervention approaches that promote girls' agency and multiple ways to keep girls safe from perpetrators of partner abuse.

Figure 1. Predicted Probability of Inconsistent Condom Use by Abuse (CADRI) and Age, for a Typical African American Teen Not Receiving Any Assistance

Note: CADRI = Conflict in Adolescent Dating Relationships Inventory.

Figure 2. Predicted Amount of Abuse (CADRI) by Sexual Relationship Power (Control subscale of the SRPS-M) for a Typical 17-Year-Old, African American Teen Not Receiving Any Assistance, and Associated 95% Confidence Intervals

Note: CADRI = Conflict in Adolescent Dating Relationships Inventory; SRPS-M = Sexual Relationship Power Scale, modified version.

Figure 3. Predicted Probability of Experiencing the Various Types of Abuse by Sexual Relationship Power (Control Subscale of the SRPS-M) for a Typical 17-year-old, African American Teen Not Receiving Any Assistance

Note: SRPS-M = Sexual Relationship Power Scale, modified version.