Sexual risk behaviors among rural women of childbearing age.

Given the morbidity and mortality associated with sexually transmitted diseases and HIV/AIDS, the increasing number of HIV/AIDS cases among heterosexual women, and the limited information regarding rural women's health, it is timely to holistically examine the determinants of sexual risk behavior(s) among rural women of childbearing age. Use of the Interaction Model of Client Health Behavior allows an integrated perspective of demographic characteristics, motivation, problem-solving, self-esteem, and sexual risk behaviors for this population. The 144 subjects in this study included 76 African American and 60 White women (average age 28.76 years, SD 6.58 years). Sexual risk behaviors were defined as more than one sex partner and (partner) not using a condom. African American women reported using condoms more than White women. Younger married women used condoms more than older married women.