This paper explores HIV and hepatitis risk among female injection drug users (IDUs) in three Northeastern (US) cities: Hartford, CT, New Haven, CT, and Springfield, MA. Data presented were gathered during 12-months of structured interviews with over 30 female IDUs in each city, day visits (5-hour participant observations), diaries, social mapping, field notes, and bio-assays of syringes. In this presentation, we discuss how neighborhood contexts affect women in order to highlight the relationship between gender and risk for HIV and hepatitis among female IDUs. In particular, we focus on how syringe access, use, and disposal among female IDUs are shaped by their primary relationships and their social networks; concern for personal and their children's safety; and prevailing gender norms in their communities. In addition, we explore how female IDUs' drug buying patterns; expectations in their roles as mothers, daughters, and wives; and limited economic opportunities impact on their HIV and hepatitis risk behaviors. This paper offers a unique perspective on HIV risk among urban female IDUs by comparing women's experiences in two cities with needle exchange programs and pharmacy access to syringes (Hartford and New Haven, CT), with their counterparts in Springfield, MA where syringe access and possession are restricted.
Learning Objectives: At the end of the session, participants will have greater understanding the complexities of female injection drug users lives. Session participants will learn how gender norms contribute to HIV and hepatitis risk behaviors and will gain insight on how different public policies related to syringe access and possession relate to HIV and hepatitis risk among female IDUs
Keywords: Women and HIV/AIDS, Drug Injectors
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.