Condom use behaviors in HIV-infected African American crack cocaine users.
The purpose of this study was to investigate sexual risk behaviors and factors associated with consistent condom use of HIV+ African Americans receiving HAART who smoke crack. Participants were African Americans in Houston, Texas and over 18, being treated for HIV, and reported currently using crack. Measures included demographic variables, sexual behaviors, drug use, and nine psychosocial scales and seven escape scales. One hundred thirty seven participated in the study. Condom use was low across all partner types. Regression analyses revealed two demographic variables, and two psychosocial and one escape scale were significantly associated with intention to use condoms. One of the more alarming findings of this study concerns the large number of individuals who know they are HIV positive yet continue to have unprotected sex. The inconsistent condom use by these HIV+ individuals threatens the progress that has been made to stem the epidemic.
Timpson
Sandra C
SC
Center for Health Promotion and Prevention, School of Public Health, University of Texas Houston, Houston, Texas 77030, USA. stimpson@sph.uth.tmc.edu
Williams
Mark L
ML
Bowen
Anne M
AM
Keel
K Blair
KB
D000328:Adult; D023241:Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active; D044383:Black People; D019970:Cocaine-Related Disorders / Q000523:psychology*; D017280:Condoms; D016578:Crack Cocaine; D005260:Female; D006679:HIV Seropositivity / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D013781:Texas; D001741:Black or African American
D016578:Crack Cocaine