Contextual factors and other correlates of sexual risk of HIV among African-American crack-abusing women

Addict Behav. 2003 Apr;28(3):523-36. doi: 10.1016/s0306-4603(01)00255-6.

Abstract

This study examined differences in contextual factors, substance use, sexual risk behaviors, and comorbid histories between African-American, out-of-treatment, crack-abusing women who had either a single sexual partner or multiple partners. Bivariate analysis indicated that women with multiple partners were more likely than women with a single partner to be homeless, financially dependent, and to have histories of sexual, physical, and emotional abuse. Women with multiple partners reported higher levels of depression, anxiety, and more symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In multiple logistic regression analysis, being unemployed, difficult childhood, and number of days of crack use in the previous 30 days, longer crack runs, and more frequent unprotected fellatio were associated with increased odds of having multiple sexual partners. Being married or living as married was associated with decreased odds of having multiple sexual partners. The importance of assessing contextual and historical factors and implications for future research is discussed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Analysis of Variance
  • Black or African American
  • Cocaine-Related Disorders / complications
  • Cocaine-Related Disorders / ethnology*
  • Cocaine-Related Disorders / psychology
  • Crack Cocaine*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • HIV Infections / ethnology*
  • HIV Infections / transmission
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Risk-Taking
  • Sexual Behavior / ethnology*
  • Sexual Behavior / psychology

Substances

  • Crack Cocaine