The Implications of Gender Roles on HIV Risk Behaviors and Latinas' HIV Risk Perception Among a College Sample

Juliana de Almeida Cardoso Smith, University of Texas at El Paso

Abstract

The primary aim of the proposed research was to investigate the moderating effects of gender roles in regards to HIV sexual risk behaviors and HIV risk perception. Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) remains a serious public health concern that affects an estimated 1.2 million individuals in the United States, disproportionately affecting ethnic minorities. We hypothesize that gender roles will significantly moderate the relationship between HIV sexual risk behaviors and HIV risk perceptions. Additionally, we hypothesize that while subordinate marianismo and perceived partner’s negative machismo will not moderate the relationship between HIV sexual risk behaviors and HIV risk perceptions by themselves; their addition to gender roles (moderated moderation) will significantly moderate the relationship between HIV sexual risk and HIV risk perception. A sample of 292 Latina college students currently in a heterosexual relationship completed an anonymous online survey. Results indicated that gender roles, subordinate marianismo, and perceived partner’s negative machismo did not significantly moderate the relationship between HIV sexual risk behaviors and HIV risk perceptions. Post-hoc analyses were conducted to inform HIV sexual risk behaviors and HIV risk perceptions. Findings from the present study can inform the development of educational materials to increase HIV risk perception and protective behaviors.

Subject Area

Experimental psychology|Womens studies|Gender studies|Latin American Studies|Behavioral psychology

Recommended Citation

Cardoso Smith, Juliana de Almeida, "The Implications of Gender Roles on HIV Risk Behaviors and Latinas' HIV Risk Perception Among a College Sample" (2019). ETD Collection for University of Texas, El Paso. AAI27671182.
https://scholarworks.utep.edu/dissertations/AAI27671182

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