Interpartner Concordance on Relationship Quality and Sexually Transmitted Infections Among Young Pregnant and Parenting Couples. Issue 2 (February 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lanier, Yzette; Amutah-Onukagha, Ndidiamaka; Cornelius, Talea; Lavarin, Claudine; Kershaw, Trace
• Is Part Of: Sexually transmitted diseases. Volume 48:Issue 2(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-02
• Subjects: Sexually transmitted diseases -- Periodicals; Sexual health -- Periodicals; 616.951005
• DOI: 10.1097/OLQ.0000000000001281
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0148-5717

Abstract

Abstract : Background: This study examined agreement between partners on perceptions of relationship quality and its impact on later (sexually transmitted infection [STI]) diagnosis in a sample of pregnant (adolescents and young adults [AYAs]) couples. Methods: Two hundred ninety-six AYA couples completed structured surveys on relationship quality (satisfaction, cohesion, consensus, affectional expression) and STI diagnosis. An actor-partner interdependence model was used to assess actor effects (whether an individual's perceived relationship quality influenced their getting STI), partner effects (whether a partner's perceived relationship quality influenced the individual getting an STI), and interactive effects (whether an individual's perceived relationship quality interacted with a partner's perceived relationship quality and influenced in the individual getting an STI). Results: No significant actor or partner effects were observed for positive STI screen. However, there was a significant interaction between actor and partner satisfaction ( B = −0.47, exp( B ) = 0.63 [95% confidence interval, 0.43–0.93], P = 0.020). When actor satisfaction was high, greater partner satisfaction was associated with lower odds of a positive STI screen at 12 months. A significant interaction between actor and partner affectional expression was also found ( B = −4.40, exp( B ) = 0.01 [95% confidence interval, 0.00–0.87], P = 0.043). When partner affectional expression was high, greater actor affectional expression was associated with lower odds of a positive STI screen at 12 months. Conclusions: Findings suggest that concordant reports of relationship satisfaction and affectional expression are protective against future STI risk. Strengthening romantic relationships may be a promising strategy for preventing STIs in pregnant/parenting AYA couples. Abstract : A study of adolescent and young adult pregnant/parenting couples found that when both partners reported high relationship satisfaction and affectional expression, their odds of having a future sexually transmitted infection significantly decreased.