This street outreach project investigated the relationship between use of drugs (alcohol, marijuana, and crack-cocaine) and HIV-risk-related sexual behavior of a group of adults in a high-risk social environment. Data (N=674) were collected in 2000 in high drug traffic areas in Birmingham, AL, identified by Drug Use Forecasting data. The survey assessed drug use behavior, including alcohol, marijuana and crack/cocaine, and HIV risk-related behaviors. A series of univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis, adjusting for age were conducted. Highlights of results are: 1) crack and marijuana users were less likely than alcohol users or non-drug users to use a condom every time they had sex with their main sex partners or other sex partners (p<.05); 2) crack users were twice likely than non-drug users to use drugs when they had sex with their main sex partners and their other sex partners (p<.05); 3) the use of drugs was not associated with subjects who reported having multiple sex partners, (p>.05); and 4) gender differences were apparent: while females overall reported less HIV risk-related behaviors than males, female crack users reported more HIV risk-related behaviors than the male sample. This profile and interrelationships of drug use and sexual behavior will have implications for drug treatment and drug education programs.
DISCLOSURE: Funded by the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment/SAMHSA
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the presentation, the participant should be able to recognize the interrelationships of drug use and HIV risk-related behavior and apply such information to drug treatment and drug education programs.
Keywords: Drug Use, HIV Risk Behavior
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.