History of intimate partner violence is associated with sex work but not sexually transmitted infection among HIV-positive female drinkers in Russia

Int J STD AIDS. 2013 Apr;24(4):287-92. doi: 10.1177/0956462412472809. Epub 2013 Jun 14.

Abstract

This paper assesses the associations between intimate partner violence (IPV) and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and sexual risks among HIV-positive female drinkers in St Petersburg, Russia. Survey and STI data were analysed from 285 women in HERMITAGE, a secondary prevention study of HIV-positive heavy drinkers. Logistic and Poisson regression analyses assessed associations of IPV with STI and risky sex. Most women (78%) experienced IPV and 19% were STI positive; 15% sold sex. IPV was not significantly associated with STI, but was with selling sex (adjusted odds ratio = 3.56, 95% confidence interval = 1.02-12.43). In conclusion, IPV is common and associated with sex trade involvement among Russian HIV-positive female drinkers.

Keywords: AIDS; HIV; Russia; interpersonal partner violence (IPV); sex work; sexually transmitted infections (STI); substance use.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Alcohol Drinking / adverse effects
  • Alcohol Drinking / psychology*
  • Female
  • HIV Infections / diagnosis
  • HIV Infections / psychology*
  • Health Surveys
  • Humans
  • Interpersonal Relations*
  • Interviews as Topic
  • Middle Aged
  • Odds Ratio
  • Risk Factors
  • Risk-Taking
  • Russia
  • Sex Work / psychology*
  • Sexual Behavior
  • Sexual Partners / psychology
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases / prevention & control
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases / transmission
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • Substance-Related Disorders / psychology
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Violence / statistics & numerical data*
  • Young Adult