Sex risk behaviors of drug users: a dual site study of predictors over time.
Reducing sex risk behaviors among high-risk injection drug users (IDUs) and crack smokers is a continuing challenge for HIV prevention. Based on a longitudinal study of sexually active Puerto Rican IDUs and crack smokers in New York (n = 573) and Puerto Rico (n = 264), baseline predictors of changes in sex risk (number of unprotected sex acts) at 6- and 36-month follow-up interviews were examined. In New York, predictors of higher sex risk were being younger, having primary partners, having more other sex partners, never exchanging sex, having lower self-efficacy for reducing sex risk behaviors and being HIV-negative, and these predictors were significant at both postbaseline periods. In Puerto Rico, short-term predictors included being male, having primary partners, never exchanging sex, lower sex risk norms and lower self-efficacy. However, only having primary partners was significant in longer-term behaviors. Results indicated the need for enhancing self-efficacy and for developing risk reduction strategies related to community differences.
Deren
Sherry
S
National Development & Research Insdtitutes, Inc., Center for Drug Use & HIV Research, New York, NY 10010, USA. deren@ndri.org
Strauss
Shiela
S
Kang
Sung-Yeon
SY
Colón
Hector M
HM
Robles
Rafaela R
RR
D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006630:Hispanic or Latino; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D009518:New York / Q000453:epidemiology; D011647:Puerto Rico / Q000453:epidemiology; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D015819:Substance Abuse, Intravenous / Q000453:epidemiology*