MCH Student:

Date of Defense:

2007

Abstract:

Sexual violence is a growing public health concern for young women in the United States. Sexual violence has been associated with several adverse effects on a woman’s reproductive health including an increased risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), as well as increasing the chance of engaging in high-risk sexual behaviors. This study examines the relationship between a history of sexual violence, three high-risk sexual behaviors, and a history of STIs. Data were obtained from 1,852 women ages 18-30, from the 2004 University of Minnesota College Student Health Survey. Odds ratios were used to determine a relationship between a history of sexual violence and high-risk sexual behaviors. Logistic regression was used to examine the relationship between high-risk sexual behaviors and STIs. Finally, block logistic regression was used to examine the relationship between sexual violence and STIs while accounting for high-risk sexual behaviors. Women with a history of sexual violence were almost two times more likely to have multiple sex partners and be intoxicated during their last act of intercourse. There is an association between multiple sex partners and a history of STIs. A history of sexual violence is significantly associated with a history of STIs, even after controlling for the three high-risk sexual behaviors. There is a need for future research to examine the potential mediating and modifying variables, such as stress, social support, depression, and self-esteem of victims of sexual violence and their influence on high-risk sexual behaviors.