 | The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
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| The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
Nicole Dedobbeleer, ScD, Health Administration, University of Montreal, C.P. 6128 Succ. Centre-ville, Montreal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada, (514) 343-5631, nicole.dedobbeleer@umontreal.ca and Pauline Morissette, PhD, School of Social Work, University of Montreal, C.P.6128, Succ. Centre-ville, Montreal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada.
Few studies have been conducted as to the effects of alcohol and drug use on sexual behaviour of adult women in the general population, and especially on those which have several partners during the past year, partners having other partners the same year and first intercourse with these new partners. The purpose of this presentation is thus to establish the extent and the nature of the linkages between alcohol and illicit drugs and sexual risk behaviour among women seeking to meet a new partner in Quebec (Canada). A questionnaire was self-administered to 430 women living without a partner, 30 to 54 years of age, seeking a new partner and sexually active in the last 5 years. They have been recruited through newspaper ads, radio ads, women associations and community groups. Alcohol use was measured in the specific circumstances of sexual encounters with the last two partners. Results showed that about 20% of these women had been drinking four drinks and more per occasion, and that 15% had used drugs. They revealed that only about one third of the respondents had always protected sex. Alcohol/drug use was in general not significantly related to lack of condom use. Alcohol use was, however, strongly related to what might be considered lifestyle variables (casual partners, a larger number of partners, a partner having another partner, alcohol and drug use and no stable relationships expected). Results will be examined in light of the results of previous studies conducted in Canada and other countries.
Learning Objectives:
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.