Empowerment, defined as economic opportunity that lessens dependence, is a unique concept that may affect a woman's sexual decision making. In this analysis taken from a larger statewide study, 91 HIV-positive African-American women were administered a survey to assess factors of empowerment in association with sexual choices. Age, incarceration history, and alcohol use were associated with bartering with sex. Incarceration history and alcohol use were associated with having unprotected sex with someone of unknown serostatus.
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