title: Safe sex? Misconceptions, gender differences and barriers among injection drug users: a focus group approach.
abstract: Heterosexual transmission is one factor involved in the spread of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) within the injection drug use (IDU) population and between IDU and non-IDU individuals. Insufficient information is currently available to reduce this heterosexual transmission. As a basis for designing a questionnaire aimed at the IDU population, we conducted 5 focus groups to collect information on knowledge of and attitudes toward safe sex as held by male and female IDUs in methadone treatment. We identified misconceptions related to HIV infection, condoms, and sexual behavior. We also found gender-based differences in knowledge and learning style. Also, while individuals felt a responsibility to prevent HIV transmission, they lacked sufficient control to do so. The wide range of responses on questions concerning sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), condoms, reproductive decisions, and methods of promoting safe sex provides a basis for developing a questionnaire designed to identify and target specific subgroups for educational intervention.
authors.affiliation: Department of Preventive Medicine and Community Health, University of Medicine & Dentistry of New Jersey-New Jersey Medical School, Newark 07107.
authors.forename: S H
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Weiss
authors.forename: C B
authors.initials: CB
authors.lastname: Weston
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Quirinale
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003144:Communication Barriers; D017280:Condoms; D005260:Female; D005783:Gender Identity; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology / Q000635:transmission; D018023:HIV Seronegativity; D006266:Health Education; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007389:Internal-External Control; D008297:Male; D008691:Methadone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016485:Needle Sharing / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000523:psychology; D012736:Sex Education; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology / Q000635:transmission; D012941:Social Responsibility; D016320:Substance Abuse Treatment Centers; D015819:Substance Abuse, Intravenous / Q000150:complications* / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation
chemical_list: D008691:Methadone