A Summary of Religiosity, Sexual Attitudes, and Behaviors among Women Living in Genesee County

Empirical studies have been conducted to address religiosity and its impact on sexual risk taking behaviors but much of the work has been targeted toward youth and primarily European Americans. The purpose of this research study is to gain a better understanding on the issues of religiosity, sexual attitudes and behaviors of young adult African-American women living in Genesee County. The study examined associations between religiosity and sexual behaviors and attitudes among these women. One hundred participants completed surveys about five aspects of their religiosity (religion in daily life, religious practice, religious opposition, adherence to sanctions, and attendance at religious services) and their sexual behaviors (abstinence, age of onset, lifetime partners, condom use and knowledge, and STD/HIV risk), sexual attitudes and self-esteem level. We also observed the variation among utilizing a multi-level measure of religiosity as opposed to a solitary level measurement that only captures frequency of attendance at religious services. We found that 67%: (m=67) of the women in the current study were at risk for STDs/HIV. Associations were found between the measures of religiosity and sexuality, although the patterns differed by measures used. Religious adherence and religious service attendance showed a relative high association (x2 = .000) among STD/HIV risk. Those who did not adhere to their religious principles were more likely to have some STD/HIV risk. Also, those who attended religious services less frequently were more likely to have some STD/HIV risk. Results from this study greater religious involvement is a protective factor. Furthermore, adhering to religious principles about sex and attending religious services frequently could prevent risky STD/HIV behaviors among these women.Master'sSchool of Health Professions and Studies: Health EducationUniversity of Michiganhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/117955/1/WilsonL.pd