Brown-Peterside P, Lucy D, Koblin BA; National HIV Prevention Conference (2003 : Atlanta, Ga.).
Abstr Book 2003 Natl HIV Prev Conf July 27 30 2003 Hyatt Regency Atlanta Hotel Atlanta Ga Natl HIV Prev Conf 2003 Atlanta Ga. 2003; abstract no. W0-A1401.
New York Blood Center, New York, NY
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Women who smoke crack cocaine are at high sexual risk of HIV infection. They are also at risk of sexual and physical assault which further increases their HIV risk. Thus there is an urgent need to better understand the factors surrounding the traumatic events that both occur prior to crack use and result from it, in order to tailor HIV prevention interventions for this vulnerable group. METHODS: Qualitative in-depth interviews were conducted with 20 HIV negative heterosexually active crack-using women (18-44 years). Content analysis was used to identify childhood and adult experiences of physical and sexual assault, and to assess the pre-cursors, context, and consequences of crack use. Strategies women use to cope with crack and violence were also ascertained.RESULTS: The childhoods of crack-using women were marked by multiple traumas, including episodes of physical assault significant for their cruelty, being raised in a home where domestic violence and / or drug and alcohol use was pervasive, and a high prevalence of sexual assault. Drug initiation, though seldom crack, often began at a very early age. As adults, intimate partner violence was experienced by all but one woman; rape and other forms of sexual assault were also common. Consequences of violence included fear, emotional paralysis, lack of self efficacy, and engaging in risky behavior, such as bartering sex for drugs or money. Smoking crack was marked by the constant threat of danger, exposure to further violence, a profound sense of loss, and fragmented relationships with family members, especially children. Positive coping strategies included a belief in God and intentional periods of non-use such as during pregnancy, to gain custody of their children and while in drug treatment or therapy.CONCLUSIONS: The lives of crack-using women are marked by multiple childhood and adult experiences of trauma. Crack use often results in further violence and traumatization. The challenge of HIV prevention programs is to break this cycle of trauma by building and extending upon the coping strategies crack-using women already employ, especially those that revolve around the central role of children in their lives.
Publication Types:
Keywords:
- Adaptation, Psychological
- Adult
- Child
- Cocaine-Related Disorders
- Crack Cocaine
- Domestic Violence
- Female
- HIV Infections
- Humans
- Pregnancy
- Sex Offenses
- Substance-Related Disorders
- Violence
Other ID:
UI: 102262298
From Meeting Abstracts