title: Reproductive health characteristics of marijuana and cocaine users: results from the 2002 National Survey of Family Growth.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Illicit drug use is associated with risky sexual behaviors in adolescents and young adults. However, few studies have examined these associations among drug users of all reproductive ages, using a control group of nonusers.
  
  
  METHODS
  Associations between marijuana and cocaine use, and outcomes related to sexual behaviors and reproductive health, were assessed using data from the 2002 National Survey of Family Growth. Overall, 4,928 men and 7,643 women aged 15-44 were interviewed. Chi-square tests, t tests and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used; in supplementary analyses, men and women were stratified by age-group (25 or younger, and older than 25), to capture the understudied older adults who use drugs.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Twenty-seven percent of men and 16% of women reported use of marijuana or cocaine in the last year. Drug users were younger than nonusers at first vaginal sex (mean, 15.2-16.1 vs. 17.3-17.5 years) and were more likely to have engaged in risky sexual behaviors in the last year, including having had sex with a nonmonogamous partner (odds ratios, 3.3-5.2 for men and 2.9-6.5 for women), while high on alcohol or drugs (10.1-18.0 and 8.1-24.2), or in exchange for money or drugs (2.7-2.8 and 2.3-9.2). They also were more likely to have undergone STD testing or treatment. Drug use was associated with risky sexual behaviors in both age-groups.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Programs aimed at reducing sexual risks among drug users should address the behaviors of men and women of all reproductive ages.
authors: Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and HTA, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands. M.vanGelder@ebh.umcn.nl
authors: Marleen M H J
authors: MM
authors: van Gelder
authors: Jennita
authors: J
authors: Reefhuis
authors: Anne M
authors: AM
authors: Herron
authors: Mark L
authors: ML
authors: Williams
authors: Nel
authors: N
authors: Roeleveld
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D019970:Cocaine-Related Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology*; D003268:Contraception Behavior / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D002189:Marijuana Abuse / Q000453:epidemiology*; D010298:Parity; D011247:Pregnancy; D011275:Pregnancy, Unwanted; D011477:Sex Work / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D047568:Unsafe Sex / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D055815:Young Adult