HIV prevention among minority substance using women: Examining characteristics of substance abuse treatment episode non-completers

Objective:  To examine characteristics, HIV testing patterns, and HIV risk behaviors of treatment episode non-completers of a new SAMHSA-funded substance abuse treatment program targeting minority women at risk for HIV.

Methods:  Data were collected from October 2013 to February 2014 from 24 females via Preliminary Intake Assessment, the Government Performance and Results Act instrument (GPRA), and Rapid HIV Testing Clinical Information forms.

Results:Among non-completers, 42% are Latina, 38% are African American, 17% are White, and 4% are Asian.  Forty-six percent of non-completers reported methamphetamine as their primary drug of choice, followed by marijuana (25%); opiates (12%); cocaine (12%); alcohol (4%).  Additionally, 54% reported polysubstance use; and 18% reported injection drug use.  Seventy-one percent reported having children under the age of 18; and 50% reported a co-occurring mental health diagnosis.  Rapid HIV Testing data revealed that 30% of non-completers received a rapid HIV test during their treatment episode.  GPRA data for non-completers (n=17) revealed that 100% of participants have ever been tested for HIV.  Additionally, 38% reported sexual contact in the last 30 days; 90% reported unprotected sexual contact; 44% reported sex while “high on some substance”; and 22% reported unprotected sex with an injection drug user. 

Conclusion:  Examining characteristics of non-completers can provide insight into ways to improve client retention.  Considering the unique issues facing substance-using women, including methamphetamine use, polysubstance use, co-occurring mental health disorders, and caring for young children, holistic integrated approaches to drug treatment and HIV risk reduction may benefit minority substance-using women.