Young Parents’ Relationship Characteristics, Shared Sexual Behaviors, Perception of Partner Risks, and Dyadic Influences

Abstract

Rising rates of heterosexually transmitted HIV among youth and young adults, particularly from ethnic minorities, create an urgent need to understand risk factors and perceptions of risk within the context of couple relationships. This study examined reports of young mothers and fathers (predominantly Latino) about background characteristics, relationship quality and length, HIV-related risk factors, and perceptions of partners’ behaviors and personal history. Higher concordance was found for relationship characteristics and partners' personal history (e.g., incarceration) than on shared sexual behaviors. Most males and females stated that they were monogamous; however, those whose partners reported concurrency were unaware of this. Many were unaware of their partners’ HIV testing status. Relationship quality was higher when females accurately perceived their partners' self-reported HIV-related risk behaviors. Length of the relationship did not influence concordance. Findings support the need for HIV prevention programs to promote open discussion about condom use and HIV testing within sexual partnerships.

We acknowledge the National Institute of Nursing Research for funding of this project (Grant No. R01–NR04957). We also express appreciation to Carmen Turner, Juan Villegas, and the many participants in the study.

Notes

Note. N = 336. STI = sexually transmitted infection.

^a Pearson's correlation coefficient is calculated for normally distributed continuous variables.

^b Spearman's rank correlation coefficient is calculated for highly skewed continuous variables.

Note. N =  168 couples. CP⁺ = positive conditional probability; CP^– = negative conditional probability.

^a For women's perceptions, the percentage shows men who reported engaging in the behavior; for men's perceptions, the percentage shows females who reported engaging in the behavior.

^b Denominator excludes couples in which a partner responded “don't know.” The denominator varies from 111 to 168, depending on the question.

^c CP⁺, CP^–, and kappa calculations are based on the valid “yes” and “no” scores in the 2 × 2 frequency tables and exclude “don't know” responses.

Note. DAS = Dyadic Adjustment Scale.

^a Based on compilation of five HIV-related risk factors: concurrent sexual partners, methamphetamine use during last month, history of incarceration and gang membership, and absence of HIV testing.

^b Classification of concordance is based on 100% agreement between partner's perception and the other partner's report for all five HIV-related risk factors in a sample of 168 couples. When partners disagree on one or more risk factors or express “don't know,” the couple is classified as discordant.

^c Based on the average of responses of the two partners.