Abeni D, Dante C, Zampieri F, Brancato G, Forastiere F, Fiume A, Rezza G, Perucci CA; International Conference on AIDS.
Int Conf AIDS. 1991 Jun 16-21; 7: 379 (abstract no. W.C.3332).
Osservatorio Epidemiologico Regionale, Rome, Italy
OBJECTIVE: To estimate the association between sexual behaviours and previous knowledge of HIV infection among intravenous drug users (IVDU). METHODS: Cross-sectional design. Study population: IVDU recruited among drug centers attenders (198 subjects) or through out-reach programme (289 subjects). Serological status and sexual behaviour in the previous six months investigated by questionnaire. RESULTS: Among the 448 (92%) subjects who reported their serological status, 130 (29.0%) declared to be HIV+; 115 of them had been diagnosed more than one year before the interview. Sex (females: 23.1% of HIV+ vs 18.6% of HIV-), mean age (29.4 vs 27.4 years), mean age at first i.v. drug use (19.4 vs 18.5) and place of recruitment did not differ. In regular partnerships, less frequent vaginal intercourse (more than once a week: 50.0% vs. 71.0%, OR=0.41, p less than 0.05) and slightly more regular use of condoms (21.1% vs 16.5%, n.s.), were reported by HIV-. As regards occasional partnerships, no difference in their frequency (38.0% vs 36.5%), vaginal intercourse (more than once a week: 11.5% vs 14.6%) and anal intercourse (15% vs 9.4%) were found, but a slightly higher regular condom use (42.9% vs 29.6%, n.s.) among HIV+. Female prostitution was higher in HIV+ (17/30) than in HIV- (11/59) (OR=5.7, p less than .05). Male homosexuality was equally reported (5/100 vs 7/256). CONCLUSION: An high proportion of IVDU, both HIV+ and HIV-, have occasional partners and regular use of condoms is infrequent. This and the high prevalence of prostitution are a threat for transmission to non-IVDU and call for effective education programmes.
Publication Types:
Keywords:
- Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
- Condoms
- Female
- HIV Infections
- HIV Seropositivity
- Humans
- Knowledge
- Male
- Prostitution
- Rome
- Sexual Behavior
- Substance Abuse, Intravenous
- Substance-Related Disorders
Other ID:
UI: 102193409
From Meeting Abstracts