Self-efficacy and sexual attitude to prevent sexually transmitted infections in women experiencing intimate partner violence

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the relationship between self-efficacy, sexual attitudes, and sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention behaviors in young women exposed to intimate partner violence.
Materials and methods: A correlational and cross-sectional study was conducted with 42 women aged 18 to 24, selected through random sampling at a university center in northwestern Mexico. All participants reported having experienced some form of partner violence. Validated instruments were used to measure the variables.

Results: A significant correlation was found between condom use negotiation and health attitudes (r=.930), as well as with knowledge about STIs/HIV (r=.905). In addition, self-efficacy showed a strong relationship with sexual negotiation (r=.742). Regression analysis indicated that self-efficacy, positive health attitudes, and knowledge about STIs/HIV jointly explained 22.8% of the variance in safe sexual practices (R² = 22.8%), confirming their role as relevant determinants in this context.

Conclusions: Strengthening self-efficacy, knowledge, and healthy attitudes in women exposed to partner violence is essential to promote safe sexual behaviors, foster sexual autonomy, and reduce vulnerability to STIs.

Keywords: Self-efficacy; Attitudes; Prevention; Sexually transmitted infections; Intimate partner violence.