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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Hugh A. Klein, PhD¹, Claire E. Sterk, PhD¹, and Kirk W. Elifson, PhD². (1) Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 401 Schuyler Road, Silver Spring, MD 20910, 301-588-8875, hughk@aol.com, (2) Department of Sociology, Georgia State University, General Classroom Building, Atlanta, GA 30303

PURPOSE: Most published research focusing on the HIV-related risks associated with the use of the drug, ecstasy, has been based on gay male samples. In that research, ecstasy use has been associated with greater involvement in a wide array of HIV-related risk practices. Little has been documented about the risks associated with the use of this drug in other populations. This study reports on the predictors of condom usage in a sample of young adult ecstasy users. METHOD: The study took place in the Atlanta metropolitan area between 2002 and 2004. 283 young adult ecstasy users completed face-to-face interviews assisted by computer-assisted structured interviewing (i.e., CASI). Street outreach efforts were used to identify potential study participants, with further expansion of the sample done via targeted sampling and ethnographic mapping procedures. RESULTS: Only 35.2% of all sex acts involved the use of protection. Using a multiple regression approach, five factors were found to be predictive of condom use: race (Caucasians used condoms less than other groups), income (lower income = greater condom use), relationship status (persons involved in relationships reported less condom use than those who were not “involved”), multiple sex partners (multiple sex partners = more condom use), and condom use self-efficacy (higher efficacy level = more condom use). CONCLUSIONS: Targeted outreach and intervention need to be done to reduce HIV risk levels among young adult ecstasy users. In particular, Caucasians, those of higher income, persons involved in romantic-type relationships, and those lacking in condom use self-efficacy need specific attention.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, participants in this session will be able to

• identify several specific factors that place young adult users of ecstasy at risk for acquiring HIV, and
• understand specific steps that might be taken to help reduce young adult ecstasy users' risk for acquiring HIV

Keywords: HIV Risk Behavior, Substance Abuse

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered

Handout (.ppt format, 77.5 kb)