Self-silencing and age as risk factors for sexually acquired HIV in midlife and older women.

Full Abstract

Objectives. This study explores the contribution of psychosocial factors on sex behaviors of midlife and older women. Methods. A community-based sample of ethnically diverse women (N = 572) between the ages of 50 and 93 completed standardized measures of self-silencing, self-esteem, sensation seeking behavior, HIV-related stigma behavior, sexual assertiveness, and safer sex behaviors. Results. Results from the regression analysis indicated the model significantly predicted safer sex behaviors (p < .001), with self silencing(â = -.115, p < .05) and age (â = .173, p < .001) as significant predictors.Bivariate correlation analysis indicated an inverse correlation between HIV stigma (p < .05) and safer sex behaviors. Discussion. Implications for further study and practice are discussed to include considerations for development of age- and gender-appropriate prevention interventions assisting women with interpersonal processes combined with skills for active involvement in addressing high-risk sex behaviors.

Author information

Author/s: Jacobs, Robin J (RJ); Thomlison, Barbara (B);

Affiliation: Nova Southeastern University, Fourth Floor Terry Building, Room 1425, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33328, USA. rjacobs(-atsign-)nova.edu

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article

Journal: Journal of aging and health (J Aging Health), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2009-Feb; vol 21 (issue 1) : pp 102-28

Dates: Created 2009/01/15; Completed 2009/04/21;

PMID: 19144971, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 4/21/2009, IMS Date: )

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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