Author: Abel, Elizabeth
Date Published: 2004
Self-esteem, motivation for sexual health, and sexual risk behaviors as indicated by condom use and number of sex partners was explored in a sample of 140 Hispanic women of childbearing age (18-44 years). The researchers used Cox's Interaction Model of Client Health Behavior (IMCHB) as the conceptual framework for the study. They found that 70% of single women reported condom use with their most recent sexual partner, and 49% of single women reported more than one sexual partner in the last 12 months. Self-esteem and motivation for sexual health were significantly associated , although only the latter was related to condom use among single women. Women who reported higher self-esteem were less likely to worry about acquiring sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Despite public information about STDs, including HIV/AIDS, a proportion of these women and their partners are vulnerable to these diseases. Health promotion implications are also discussed.