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    Sex Roles. 2009 Oct;61(7-8):536-553.

    When, where, why and with whom homeless women engage in risky sexual behaviors: A framework for understanding complex and varied decision-making processes.

    Source

    RAND Corporation, Santa Monica, California.

    Abstract

    Impoverished women worldwide are at high risk for contracting HIV/AIDS. This study explores how homeless women make risky sex decisions and the role that alcohol and drugs play in this process. We analyze 56 in-depth qualitative descriptions of recent sexual episodes among 28 women living in shelters in Los Angeles, California, USA. The sample (age 18-63) was 46% African American, 21% Hispanic/Latina, and 21% white. Findings suggest that: (1) homeless women engage in multiple types of relationships and sexual behaviors; (2) emotion and attachment play critical roles in women's risky sex choices; and (3) the role of alcohol and drugs on such choices varies across relationship commitment. Understanding the complexity of sexual decision-making among this population has implications for developing successful risk reduction interventions.

    PMID:
    20485467
    [PubMed]
    PMCID:
    PMC2871695
    Free PMC Article

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