The role of depressive symptoms in predicting sex with multiple and high-risk partners.
Existing research examining the role of psychopathology on HIV risk behaviors has relied heavily upon cross-sectional data, making it difficult to assess causal relationships. This paper uses longitudinal data to examine the relationship between depressive symptoms and sexual risk behaviors in a community sample of 332 inner-city drug users. Results from repeated measures analysis using generalized estimating equations suggest that high depressive symptoms may be causally related to having sex with multiple partners (odds ratio = 1.55, CI: 1.12, 2.14) and having sex with injection drug users (odds ratio = 1.57, CI: 1.11, 2.22) and crack users (odds ratio = 1.37, CI: 1.02, 1.86). Findings support greater attention to depressive symptoms in HIV prevention interventions for illicit drug users to reduce sexual risk behaviors.
Williams
Chyvette T
CT
Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.
Latkin
Carl A
CA
D000328:Adult; D003863:Depression / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology* / Q000635:transmission*; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D012747:Sexual Partners; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology