Dyadic Invariance of the Positive Sexuality Scale in Chilean Heterosexual Couples.

Gender differences in sexuality-related dimensions have long been investigated in close relationship research. An important assumption when comparing values across gender in dyadic research is that both partners conceptualize the construct under investigation in the same way. Thus, issues of measurement invariance should be considered when working with dyadic data. The aim of the present study was to test the dyadic invariance of the Positive Sexuality Scale (PSS) to assess an individual's sense of happiness and fulfillment with his/her sexual expression. The PSS was completed by 166 Chilean heterosexual couples, and measurement invariance was tested using confirmatory factor analysis within a dyadic framework. Configural, metric, scalar, and partial strict measurement invariance were supported for the PSS original one-factor model. No between-partner difference was found in the PSS latent factor mean. The functioning of the PSS and the meaning attributed to positive sexuality were the same for both partners. Hence, variations in the PSS levels between both partners in heterosexual couples can be interpreted as true mean differences rather than measurement artifacts.

Links among Ambivalent sexism, Gender Role Ideology and domestic and care work in Argentinian households

Abstract The present empirical study inquires on the relations among sexism, gender role ideology and domestic and care work in heterosexual women who share a home with their couples and at least one child, in CABA and GBA (Argentina) in 2019. Two previously existent (Moya, Expósito & Padilla, 2006; Glick & Fiske, 1996) and validated in Argentina scales were used, and a new scale for measuring domestic and care activities was created. A correlational and transversal study with a quantitative approach was carried out, and the data was recollected through an auto-administrated evaluation instrument sent by Facebook and Whatsapp social media. The sample includes 437 cases. Regarding the constructed scale, reliability, exploratory and confirmatory analysis were performed. Additionally, a moderate positive correlation among the dependent and independent variables was identified. It is possible to suggest that the hypothesis presented in this study is partially corroborated, that is, that the domestic and care work type of division is explained by the level of adhesion to the Gender Role Ideology.

Resumen El presente estudio empírico indaga respecto a las relaciones entre el sexismo, la adhesión a la ideología del rol de género y la división del trabajo doméstico y de cuidados en mujeres heterosexuales que viven en pareja y tienen al menos une hije compartiendo el mismo hogar, en CABA y GBA (Argentina) en 2019. Se utilizaron dos escalas existentes (Moya, Expósito y Padilla, 2006; Glick y Fiske, 1996) previamente validadas en Argentina, y se construyó una escala nueva para medir las tareas domésticas y de cuidado. Se realizó un estudio correlacional de corte transversal con un abordaje cuantitativo y los datos fueron recolectados a través de un instrumento de evaluación de índole autoadministrable mediante las redes sociales Facebook y Whatsapp. La muestra estuvo compuesta por 437 casos. Se realizaron los correspondientes análisis de fiabilidad, exploratorio y confirmatorio para la escala construida. Asimismo, se identificó una correlación positiva moderada entre la variable dependiente y las variables independientes. Es posible sugerir que se corrobora parcialmente la hipótesis planteada en este trabajo, es decir, que el tipo de división del trabajo doméstico y de cuidados se explica por el nivel de adhesión a la ideología del rol de género.

Incidence and Predictors of HIV and Sexually Transmitted Infections Among Female Sex Workers and Their Intimate Male Partners in Northern Mexico: A Longitudinal, Multilevel Study.

Preventing human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) requires an understanding of sexual relationship factors beyond the individual level. We estimated HIV/STI incidence and identified time-varying predictors of STI acquisition in a prospective cohort study of female sex workers and their intimate (noncommercial) male partners in northern Mexico. From 2010 to 2013, couples underwent behavioral and biological assessments biannually for 24 months. Among 413 initially HIV-uninfected participants, 8 seroconverted during follow-up. Incidence of HIV (1.12 cases/100 person-years (PY)), chlamydia (9.47 cases/100 PY), active syphilis (4.01 cases/100 PY), and gonorrhea (1.78 cases/100 PY) was higher among women than among men (HIV: P = 0.069; all STIs combined: P < 0.001). In multivariable conditional logistic regression with individual fixed effects and correlated error terms within couples, risk of STI acquisition was significantly higher among women who had recently used cocaine, crack, or methamphetamine (adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 2.13, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.07, 4.28). STI risk was lower among women who reported physically assaulting their male partners (adjusted OR = 0.44, 95% CI: 0.22, 0.86) and among men whose female partners had regular sex-work clients (adjusted OR = 0.38, 95% CI: 0.14, 1.03). Improving vulnerable couples' sexual health will require addressing the contexts in which drug use, interpersonal conflict, and economic vulnerability converge.

Desarrollo de una intervención grupal para la prevención del VIH en parejas heterosexuales.

HIV preventive efforts with heterosexual couples are almost nonexistent. We designed a group intervention based on the Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills model with the aim of increasing male condom use and promoting the practice of mutual masturbation as a safer sex alternative. We carried out a pilot study with four couples to evaluate the feasibility of the intervention and the aspects of content and format that needed to be modified. Findings reflect that participants were very satisfied with the intervention and they found it entertaining and innovative. They were very comfortable with its format, as well as with the activities. The findings confirm the feasibility of this intervention and the need to direct preventive efforts to this population.