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How empowered are girls/young women in their sexual relationships? Relationship power, HIV risk, and partner violence in Kenya

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  • Julie Pulerwitz
  • Sanyukta Mathur
  • Daniel Woznica

Abstract

Background: Gendered power dynamics within couple relationships can constrain women from achieving positive sexual and reproductive health outcomes. But little is known about relationship power among adolescents, and tools to measure it are rarely validated among adolescents. We tested the Sexual Relationship Power Scale (SRPS) among adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) and examined associations with select health outcomes. Methods: A 16-item adaptation of the SRPS was administered to AGYW aged 15–24 in Kenya (n = 1,101). Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and theta coefficients assessed scale performance for three age bands: 15–17, 18–20, and 21–24 years old. Relationship power levels were examined and multivariate logistic regressions assessed the relationship between power, and partner violence and HIV risk outcomes. Results: CFAs confirmed a one factor structure for each subgroup, and thetas for final 15-item scales were robust (>.82). Most respondents reported limited power in their sexual relationships, however older respondents consistently reported lower levels of power. Relationship power was strongly associated with several outcomes, even when controlling for socioeconomic status and schooling. For example, AGYW who reported more relationship power were 12, 6, and 7 times less likely (ages 21–24, 18–20, and 15–17, respectively) to experience sexual violence (p

Suggested Citation

  • Julie Pulerwitz & Sanyukta Mathur & Daniel Woznica, 2018. "How empowered are girls/young women in their sexual relationships? Relationship power, HIV risk, and partner violence in Kenya," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 13(7), pages 1-14, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0199733
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0199733
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Higgins, J.A. & Mathur, S. & Eckel, E. & Kelly, L. & Nakyanjo, N. & Sekamwa, R. & Namatovu, J. & Ddaaki, W. & Nakubulwa, R. & Namakula, S. & Nalugoda, F. & Santelli, J.S., 2014. "Importance of relationship context in HIV transmission: Results from a qualitative case-control study in Rakai, Uganda," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 104(4), pages 612-620.
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    1. Nicole B Carbone & Joseph Njala & Debra J Jackson & Michael T Eliya & Chileshe Chilangwa & Jennifer Tseka & Tasila Zulu & Jacqueline R Chinkonde & Judith Sherman & Chifundo Zimba & Innocent A Mofolo &, 2019. "“I would love if there was a young woman to encourage us, to ease our anxiety which we would have if we were alone”: Adapting the Mothers2Mothers Mentor Mother Model for adolescent mothers living with," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 14(6), pages 1-17, June.

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