Body appreciation, sexual relationship status, and protective sexual behaviors in women

•Having more than one sexual partner moderated body appreciation and current male condom use.•Body appreciation was not a significant predictor of STI testing in the previous 12 months.•Those in sexual relationships with more than one partner were more likely to have an STI test in the previous 12 months.•Age was a significant predictor of STI testing in the previous 12 months.

The relationship between body appreciation and sexual risk reduction behavior in women is under-explored. This cross-sectional study examined the relationships between body appreciation, male condom use, and sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing among a community-based sample of women (n = 285). Logistic regression results revealed that after controlling for age, BMI, and sexual orientation, having more than one sexual partner moderated body appreciation and current male condom use (OR = 4.21, p < .01, CI = 1.510–11.726). Body appreciation was not a significant predictor of STI testing in the previous 12 months. This suggests that women with higher body appreciation may be more likely to engage in some protective sexual health behaviors. Interventions that seek to improve body appreciation instead of body size change such as weight loss or gain may encourage certain protective sexual behaviors in women.