The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #57963

Carl G. Leukefeld, DSW¹, J. Matthew Webster, PhD¹, Michele Staton, MSW¹, Matthew L. Hiller, PhD¹, TK Logan, PhD¹, Heather L. Roberto, MPH¹, and Rick Purvis, PsyD². (1) Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, University of Kentucky, 643 Maxwelton Court, Lexington, KY 40506-0350, (859) 257-2355, cleukef@uky.edu, (2) Kentucky State Reformatory, Kentucky Department of Corrections, 3001 W. Highway 146, La Grange, KY 40032

Little is known about HIV in rural areas and sexual behaviors that lead to HIV. Consequently, HIV risk behaviors were examined for 500 drug abusers in a rural state who completed an interview at drug court entry. This study is supported by NIH/NIDA. Sexually impulsive drug abusers were defined as having sex with a person within 48 hours after meeting (n=303; 60.6%) and were compared with other drug abusers (n=197; 39.4%). Scales from the NIDA RBA and ASI were used. It was hypothesized that sexually impulsive drug abusers would report more HIV risk behaviors, be more criminally involved, and use more drugs. As expected, sexually impulsive drug abusers were significantly (p<.001) younger at first intercourse; had more partners (67vs.20); had more sex in the previous 30 days (12vs.8days); were more likely to have Syphilis (5.3%vs.0.5%) & Gonorrhea (17% vs.5%); and were more likely to pay for sex (18%vs.5%) or were paid for sex (24%vs.10%). However, in spite of these differences, there were no differences between the two groups in their perceived chance of becoming HIV infected. When criminality was examined in 12 areas, 10 areas were significantly different and 2 areas were not – sexual relations against someone’s will and stealing more than $50. When drug use was compared, there were differences in lifetime use with sexually impulsive drug abusers significantly using (p<.001) more multiple drugs, hallucinogens, sedatives, amphetamines, methamphetamines, and illegal methadone. Implications include the need to focus on sexual behaviors in rural settings such as drug courts to serve as locations for HIV prevention in rural states.

Learning Objectives:

• At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) will be able to:
• 1.Describe three HIV risk behaviors associated with sexually impulsive drug abusers.
• 2.Describe four differences in criminality and drugs of abuse between sexually impulsive and non-impulsive drug abusers in a rural state.
• 3.Discuss possible locations for HIV prevention activities in rural states.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.