Citation

Sareen J, Pagura J, Grant B. Gen. Hosp. Psychiatry 2009; 31(3): 274-278.

Affiliation

Community Health Sciences, Psychology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg Manitoba, Canada R3E 3N4. sareen@cc.umanitoba.c

Copyright

(Copyright © 2009, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.genhosppsych.2009.02.004

PMID

19410107

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This study sought to examine the association between intimate partner violence (IPV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection among a large representative sample of US women. METHODS: Data came from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (age, 20 years and older). The present analysis utilized the subsample of women who reported being in a relationship in the last year (n=13,928). Participants were asked whether they had experienced physical or sexual violence from their partner in the last year, as well as whether they had been diagnosed with HIV by a health care professional. RESULTS: Past year IPV and HIV prevalence estimates among women in romantic relationships in the United States were 5.5% and 0.17%, respectively. In models adjusting for sociodemographic factors and risky sexual behaviors (e.g., age of first intercourse), IPV was significantly associated with HIV infection (adjusted odds ratios=3.44, 95% confidence interval=1.28-9.22). We also found that 11.8% of the cases of HIV infection among women were attributable to past year IPV. CONCLUSIONS: The present study demonstrates a strong association between IPV and HIV in a representative sample of US women. Screening and prevention programs need to be aware of this important association.

Language: en