Relationship characteristics associated with anal sex among female drug users.
BACKGROUND
Anal sex is an important yet little studied HIV risk behavior for women.


METHODS
Using information collected on recent sexual encounters, we examined the influence of sex partner and relationship characteristics on the likelihood of engaging in anal sex among women with a high risk of HIV infection.


RESULTS
Anal sex was nearly 3 times more common among actively bisexual women (OR = 2.96, 95% CI: 2.17-4.03). Women were more likely to have anal sex with partners who injected drugs (OR = 2.32, 95% CI: 1.44-3.75), were not heterosexual (OR = 1.85, 95% CI: 1.18-2.90), and with whom they exchanged money or drugs for sex (OR = 1.79, 95% CI: 1.10-2.90). The likelihood of anal sex also increased with the number of nights sleeping together (OR = 1.15, 95% CI: 1.06-1.24). In contrast, emotional closeness and social closeness were not associated with anal sex. Condom use during anal sex was uncommon, and did not vary according to partner or relationship characteristics.


CONCLUSIONS
Our findings support the need for HIV prevention interventions that target anal sex among heterosexuals, particularly in drug-using populations residing in neighborhoods with elevated levels of HIV prevalence.
Mackesy-Amiti
Mary Ellen
ME
Community Outreach Intervention Projects, Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Illinois, 1603 W Taylor Street, Chicago, IL 60612, USA. mmamiti@uic.edu
McKirnan
David J
DJ
Ouellet
Lawrence J
LJ
D000328:Adult; D001727:Bisexuality; D017280:Condoms; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D020010:Heterosexuality; D006716:Homosexuality; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012747:Sexual Partners / Q000523:psychology*; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology*; D016387:Women's Health