| Popis: |
BACKGROUND: In South Africa, adolescent mothers have a three times higher risk of HIV acquisition than non-adolescent 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. METHODS: 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 (IPV), 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 non-independence. RESULTS: Adolescent mothers were more likely than non-adolescent mothers to be in partnerships characterized by IPV, 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. CONCLUSIONS: 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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