Objectives: To compare demographic characteristics, risk behaviors, and rates of infection with blood-borne pathogens and STDs between young injection drug users (IDUs) who exchange sex for drugs and those who exchange sex for money and not drugs. Methods: 2,198 IDUs aged 18-30 were recruited in five U.S. cities. Data were collected by interviewer-administered questionnaires and serological testing. Results: 377 subjects (17%) reported trading sex during the previous 6 months. Of these, 215 (57%) traded sex for drugs (and often money) and 162 for money alone. Univariate analyses showed that young IDUs who traded sex for drugs were more likely to be homeless: OR=2.05 (95% CI: 1.35-3.11); longer-term injectors: means of 4.85 vs 3.96 years (F=4.32, p<0.05); share syringes: OR=1.93 (95% CI: 1.27-2.93); share other injection paraphernalia: OR=2.11 (95% CI: 1.39-3.19); and have 10 or more non-steady sex partners: OR=1.85 (95% CI: 1.14-2.99). They were also less likely to always use condoms with non-steady partners: OR=0.56 (95% CI: 0.37-0.85). The two groups did not differ by age, gender, race/ethnicity, study site, use of crack or methamphetamines, frequency of injection, or infection with hepatitis and STDs. Conclusions: Young IDUs who exchange sex for drugs may be at greater risk for infection with blood-borne pathogens compared to those who trade sex for money alone. Multivariate analysis will be performed to identify independent associations with sex trade. Previous studies have found elevated risks associated with trading sex for crack, but results reported here suggest these risks are not limited to crack users.
Learning Objectives: N/A
Keywords: Drug Injectors, Risky Behaviors
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.