Experiences of Abuse May Be Linked to Less HIV Testing Uptake Among HIV-Negative, High-Risk Women In The Southeastern United States Open Access

Abstract

Women who experience IPV are at a significantly higher risk of contracting HIV than those who do not. The results of the few studies that have examined the link between IPV and HIV testing uptake have been inconsistent. This would be the first study to examine the association between IPV and past-year HIV testing behavior in a sample restricted to women at high-risk for HIV. Seventy-nine, HIV-negative, high-risk women between the ages of 18-50 from the greater Atlanta area participated in a cross-sectional survey between March and November 2014. Past-year emotional, physical and sexual IPV were measured using validated scales (The Index of Psychological abuse (IPA) scale and Severity of Violence Against Women Scale (SVAWS)). The outcomes were HIV test in the past year' and Years since last HIV test'. In bivariate analyses, higher mean scores on both the IPA and SVAWS scales were significantly associated with a lower likelihood of reporting HIV testing in the past year (p= 0.022 for IPA; p= 0.022 for SVAWS) and a higher likelihood of reporting more years since last HIV test (r=0.35, p=0.02 and r=0.34, p<0.01 respectively). The multivariate analysis was hindered due to inadequate sample size. Our results show that women who experience IPV may be less likely to obtain an HIV test in the past year. This is significant as these women are at greater risk of contracting HIV. It is imperative that they be adequately screened for IPV and referred to appropriate HIV testing and counseling services.

Table of Contents

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

CHAPTER 2: COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE

Introduction to the literature review

Overview of the burden of HIV in the United States

HIV testing guidelines and recommendations

Overview of intimate Partner Violence (IPV) and its association with HIV

Studies that found a significant association between Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) and HIV testing behavior

Studies that found an indeterminate or no association between Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) and HIV testing behavior

Other potential factors that may influence HIV testing behavior

Summary and implications for this thesis

CHAPTER 3: MATERIALS AND METHODS

Participant recruitment and procedures

Data collection and survey questionnaire

Variables

Statistical analysis

CHAPTER 3: RESULTS

CHAPTER 3: DISCUSSION

CHAPTER 4: IMPLICATIONS/RECOMMENDATIONS

REFERENCES

APPENDIX

About this Master's Thesis

Rights statement

• Permission granted by the author to include this thesis or dissertation in this repository. All rights reserved by the author. Please contact the author for information regarding the reproduction and use of this thesis or dissertation.

School	Rollins School of Public Health
Department	Hubert Department of Global Health
Degree	MPH
Submission	Master's Thesis
Language	English
Research Field	Health Sciences, Public Health
Keyword	HIV Intimate Partner Violence Women's Health
Committee Chair / Thesis Advisor	Kalokhe, Ameeta, Emory University
Partnering Agencies	Emory University schools, faculty or affiliated programs US (Federal) agency other than CDC CDC

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