title: High-risk sexual behaviors in a context of substance abuse: a focus group approach.
abstract: Clinical studies show that heavy and dependant substance users engage with high frequency in high-risk sexual behaviors. To better understand the dynamics of unsafe sexual practices among alcoholics or non-intravenous drug users (IDUs), a series of focus group discussions was conducted with 26 single, sexually active men and women in treatment for substance abuse. Results show that unsafe sexual practices in this subgroup may be explained by three factors: (1) intoxication, (2) negative perceptions of condoms, and (3) cognitive distortions. Furthermore, men's negative perceptions of condoms and women's concerns about not opposing men by fear of being rejected seem to be synergetic to bringing about the negative outcome. Implications for clinical practices are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Département de Psychologie, Université de Montréal, C.P. 6128, succ. 'Centre-ville', H3C 3J7, Montreal, Quebec, Canada. louise.nadeau.2@montreal.ca
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Nadeau
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Truchon
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Biron
mesh_terms: D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000517:prevention & control; D000328:Adult; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D001290:Attitude; D003071:Cognition; D017280:Condoms; D005260:Female; D015483:HIV Antibodies / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012727:Sex Characteristics; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy
chemical_list: D015483:HIV Antibodies