title: Human immunodeficiency virus infection risk among female sex partners of intravenous drug users in southern Arizona.
abstract: Epidemiologic data suggest that women who are sexual partners of intravenous drug users (IVDUs) are at increasing risk for infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The article reports a study describing living conditions, sex risk behaviors, knowledge about acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), and perceptions of AIDS risk among female sexual partners of IVDUs living in southern Arizona. One hundred and twenty-three women who did not use IV drugs but had had sex with an IVDU in the last 6 months were interviewed. Eighty percent belonged to an ethnic minority, and 20% were white. Condom use was infrequent regardless of the number of sexual contacts. Sex was primarily heterosexual, with unsafe vaginal intercourse being the most common practice. Barriers to condom use were self-related and partner related. Some women lacked knowledge about sexual transmission of AIDS. All women reported getting AIDS information in the last 6 months and felt some risk of contracting the disease. AIDS risk reduction interventions should include HIV education and focus on barriers to condom use.
authors.affiliation: College of Nursing, University of Arizona, Tucson, USA.
authors.forename: J R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Erickson
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001130:Arizona; D017280:Condoms; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D012307:Risk Factors; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D012747:Sexual Partners; D015819:Substance Abuse, Intravenous / Q000150:complications*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016387:Women's Health