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Personal, Cognitive, Behavioral, and Demographic Predictors of HIV Testing and STDs in Homeless Women

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Abstract

Using a multiracial sample of 621 homeless women, we tested a latent variable causal model of personal, cognitive, behavioral, and demographic predictors of two coping mediators and the outcome variables of HIV testing and return for test results and a recent STD infection. HIV testing and return were predicted by more social support, greater AIDS knowledge, greater perceived risk for AIDS, and more problem-focused coping strategies. Recent STDs were predicted by more AIDS knowledge, emotion-focused coping strategies, and risky sexual behavior and one measured variable, crack cocaine use. Emotion-focused coping strategies were predicted by drug use, less self-esteem, more social support, and greater perceived risk for AIDS. Hispanics reported less emotion-focused coping strategies than African-Americans. Predictors of problem-focused coping strategies included less drug use, more self-esteem, more social support, more AIDS knowledge, and less risky sexual behavior. African-Americans reported less problem-focused coping strategies than Latinas. Indirect effects on the outcomes mediated through coping styles are also reported. Theoretical and practical implications of results for community outreach are discussed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Nursing, University of California, Los Angeles

    Adeline M. Nyamathi

  2. Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles

    Judith A. Stein

  3. Department of Nursing, Samuel Merritt College, USA

    Janice M. Swanson

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  1. Adeline M. Nyamathi
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  2. Judith A. Stein
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  3. Janice M. Swanson
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Nyamathi, A.M., Stein, J.A. & Swanson, J.M. Personal, Cognitive, Behavioral, and Demographic Predictors of HIV Testing and STDs in Homeless Women. J Behav Med 23, 123–147 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1005461001094

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