title: Predictors of sexual risk-taking among new drug users.
abstract: We studied predictors of HIV-related sexual risk-taking among individuals who initiated the use of heroin or methamphetamine during the past 5 years. Many studies have linked drug use to HIV risk and most research has been based on samples of users with long-established drug careers. We conducted face-to-face interviews with 153 adult new drug users in Atlanta, GA. Drug use was not a statistically significant predictor of sexual risk, but gender, age, race, homelessness status, childhood neglect, level of paranoia, and level of (dys)functionality in handling disagreements were associated with the frequency of sexual risk-taking. We discuss the need to incorporate new drug users in HIV/AIDS and other health-related prevention and intervention programs.
authors.affiliation: Georgia state University, Department of Sociology, University Plaza, General Classroom Building, Room 1041, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA. kelifson@gsu.edu
authors.forename: Kirk W
authors.initials: KW
authors.lastname: Elifson
authors.forename: Hugh
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Klein
authors.forename: Claire E
authors.initials: CE
authors.lastname: Sterk
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D019969:Amphetamine-Related Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology; D001294:Attitude to Health; D005260:Female; D005845:Georgia; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D016485:Needle Sharing / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology*; D015819:Substance Abuse, Intravenous / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D047568:Unsafe Sex / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D014505:Urban Population / Q000706:statistics & numerical data