Women are increasingly represented in the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Reasons for this representation are not completely understood, including how social factors and economic status impact HIV risk behavior and behavior change. Results from a study in the southwestern United States suggest that women who have higher levels of economic dependence and instability demonstrate significantly higher levels of HIV drug and sexual risk behaviors as compared to those who are more economically independent and stable. Additionally, women who have negative social circumstances (violent or abusive situations) demonstrate significantly higher levels of HIV drug and sexual risk behaviors than those who have not had those experiences. Finally, it is hypothesized that as social factors and economic status improve, HIV risky behavior diminishes over time. The study sample consists of 375 ethnically diverse drug-involved women (White=30.0%, Minority=70.0%) with an average age of 35. This presentation will discuss the findings of the study, paying specific attention to understanding the characteristics and life experiences that put women at risk for HIV and how changes in life experiences affect risk behavior over time.
Learning Objectives: Attendees will be able to articulate the factors that influence HIV risk and risk reduction among drug-involved women in the Southwest.
Keywords: HIV Risk Behavior, Women
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.