SOURCES OF PERSONAL INCOME AND HIV RISK AMONG SEXUALLY ACTIVE WOMEN
We examined the relationship between sources of income and sex behaviors among a sample of low-income, sexually active women in Baltimore, MD (n=517). Data were collected through interviews administered by a trained interviewer and Audio Computer Assisted Self-Interviewing (ACASI). The study assessed 4 categories of income including government payments, money from other people, selling items and irregular jobs (i.e. odds jobs). Having multiple sex partners was associated with receiving income from other people [AOR: 2.60, 95% CI: 1.66–4.09], selling items [AOR: 2.67, 95% CI: 1.64–4.36], and irregular jobs [AOR: 1.57, 95% CI: 1.08, 2.29]. Women who exchanged sex were more likely to acquire income through these sources but less likely to receive government assistance [AOR: 0.62, 95% CI: 0.39–0.97]. Sexual behaviors are associated with multiple sources of personal income. HIV prevention interventions should address the role that economic factors play in risk behaviors.
