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Background:
Main/casual classification is often used when discussing STI risk behavior, yet this classification may not be relevant for youth who tend to have dynamic/ephemeral partnerships. The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of partnership characteristics on condom use among young African American (AA) women using more detailed classifications.
Methods:
AA women aged 18-19 living in New Orleans were recruited from the community for a pregnancy prevention program. Women were administered an ACASI survey to elicit detailed behavioral information and asked to classify their partners using 10 categories in a check all that apply manner. Urines were NAAT tested for Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct) and N. gonorrhoeae (GC).
Results:
Of 215 sexually active women included, 19.4% had multiple partners, 1.8% engaged in transactional sex, 9.1% had Ct and 2.1% had GC. In the 294 partnerships reported, 50.2% used condoms inconsistently, 31.4% were considered casual and 12.5% were a one-time sexual encounter. Among the 10 partner categories, 81% of partnerships fit one category, while 17.4% were classified in multiple categories. The most common category was boyfriend [BF] (44.9%), followed by ex-BF (15.6%), and friend with benefits [FWB] (17.7%). Women were more likely to report inconsistent condom use if the length of relationship was > 4 months [2.57 (1.50-4.40)] or if she was using non-barrier birth control [2.87 (1.67-4.91)]. Other factors considered but not found to be associated were: main/casual classification, if she thought her partner had concurrent sex partners, if she thought it was very likely/extremely likely that unprotected sex with the partner would lead to her getting an STD, or if she intended to have sex with the partner again.
Conclusions:
Main/casual partnership category may not be relevant for young women. Prevention messages should emphasize ongoing risk assessment and reinforce the importance of dual methods for STI/pregnancy prevention.