RAPE AMONG AFRICAN-AMERICAN WOMEN - SEXUAL, PSYCHOLOGICAL, AND SOCIALCORRELATES PREDISPOSING SURVIVORS TO RISK OF STD HIV/

The aim of this study was to examine the association of rape of adult African American women and sexual, psychologic, and social factors tha t predispose them to risks of sexually transmitted diseases, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). This cross-sectional study, condu cted between February and December 1993, recruited 165 African America n women, 18-29 years of age, from an African American community of low socioeconomic status in San Francisco, California. Women completed a face-to-face interview. The prevalence of adult rape (rape experienced after age 15) in this sample was 14%. Compared with women who did not report a history of adult rape, women who reported such a history wer e significantly more likely to report HIV-related sexual, psychologic, and social experiences. Specifically, adult rape survivors were nearl y 6 times more likely to have had sex 10 or more times in the past 3 m onths, 3 times as likely to report never using condoms during the past 3 months, 3.3 times less likely to use condoms consistently during th e past 3 months, to have used a condom at last intercourse, and to use condoms when intoxicated, nearly 3 times less likely to negotiate con dom use, 11 times as likely to have a partner who was physically abusi ve, nearly 10 times more likely to believe that there were no eligible African American males with whom to establish a relationship, and mor e than 3 times as likely to believe that sex was unenjoyable. HIV-rela ted social and behavioral interventions for women may be more effectiv e if they address all sexual violence against women, including rape, a nd provide resources for women who are rape survivors.