Abstract:

In this thesis, I examine associations between measures of intimate partner violence and sexual behaviors, particularly behaviors that increase the risk of infection with HIV or another sexually transmitted infection (STI), including failing to use condoms, having multiple sexual partners, having casual sex partners, avoiding HIV testing, and avoiding discussing the consequences of sexual behavior with one's partner. I also examine the baseline level of sexual health knowledge, including knowledge regarding typical STI symptoms and HIV prevention methods. I utilize population-based, cross-sectional men's and women's data from Kazakhstan, as well as women's data from Ukraine. In both countries, I find that while almost all individuals have heard of HIV/AIDS, they hold considerably less complete information regarding prevention behaviors and STI symptoms. In Kazakhstan, I find that sexually-active men who are more tolerant of intimate partner violence are also significantly less likely to use condoms, more likely to report that their most recent sexual partner was not a wife or long-term girlfriend, less likely to discuss family planning with their partners, and less likely to get tested for HIV. These men are, however, also less likely to report multiple sex partners in the past year. Women more tolerant of violence do not differ significantly in their sexual behavior from other women in Kazakhstan, apart from being less likely to get tested for HIV. In Ukraine, I find that sexually active women who have been abused by their partners as adults are significantly more likely to report multiple partners and to have ever been infected with a STI. These abused women are also more likely to be divorced. Based on the results from these two countries, measures of intimate partner violence are consistent and significant predictors of many riskier sexual behaviors, as well as increased self-reported STI prevalence in Ukraine.