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Partnership Dynamics and HIV-Related Sexual Behaviors Among Adolescent Mothers in South Africa: A Longitudinal Analysis of HIV Prevention Trials Network 068 Data
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

Partnership Dynamics and HIV-Related Sexual Behaviors Among Adolescent Mothers in South Africa: A Longitudinal Analysis of HIV Prevention Trials Network 068 Data

Nivedita L. Bhushan, Marie C.D. Stoner, Allison K. Groves, Kathleen Kahn and Audrey E. Pettifor
Journal of adolescent health, v 71(1), pp 63-69
Jul 2022
PMID: 35370076
url
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jadohealth.2022.02.003View
Accepted (AM)Open Access (Publisher-Specific) Open

Abstract

adolescent motherhood communication gender norms HIV intimate partner violence relationship power sexual behaviors
In South Africa, adolescent mothers have a three times higher risk of HIV acquisition than nonadolescent mothers. Yet, limited evidence exists regarding how early childbearing may affect HIV risk. A better understanding of adolescent mothers’ partnership dynamics and sexual behaviors is critical to tailoring interventions to prevent new infections. Data are from HIV Prevention Trials Network 068, a longitudinal study of adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) aged 13–20 in South Africa who were followed annually for up to 6 years. Log-binomial regression models were used to assess whether adolescent motherhood was associated with partnership dynamics (intimate partner violence, gender inequitable norms, low relationship power, no HIV prevention communication) and if the association between partnership dynamics and sexual behaviors (unprotected sex and transactional sex) varied by adolescent motherhood. Generalized estimating equations, with an exchangeable correlation structure, were used to account for nonindependence. Adolescent mothers were more likely than nonadolescent mothers to be in partnerships characterized by intimate partner violence, low relationship power, gender inequitable norms, and no HIV prevention communication. A higher proportion were also more likely to experience these dynamics, as well as engage in transactional sex, after giving birth. Poor partnership dynamics put AGYW at a higher risk for unprotected sex and transactional sex, regardless of adolescent motherhood status. Engaging adolescent mothers in interventions post birth and developing interventions that address power imbalances in AGYW’s sexual partnerships have the potential to reduce engagement in HIV-related sexual behaviors and HIV risk in the long term.

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Collaboration types
Domestic collaboration
International collaboration
Web of Science research areas
Pediatrics
Psychology, Developmental
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
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