The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #72629

Dita A. Davis, Susan L. Bailey, PhD, and Lawrence J. Ouellet, PhD. School of Public Health, Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1603 W. Taylor St, Chicago, IL 60612, 312-355-4753, ddavis8@uic.edu

Objectives: Examine sexual partnerships and risk practices among young suburban IDUs. Methods: IDUs 15-30 years old (n=380 to date) were recruited in Chicago through street outreach and respondent-driven sampling for an ongoing CDC-funded study, CIDUS-III. Computerized self-administered interviews (ACASI) and serological data were collected. Results: Suburban participants (n=255 to date) are mostly male (61%) and non-Hispanic white (86%) with a median age of 22. Most (88%) were sexually active in the 3 months before baseline, 49% have an IDU main sex partner, 36% have a non-IDU main sex partner, 52% reported multiple partners, and 14% ever traded sex for money or drugs. Women more than men (72% and 24%, respectively) reported having a main sex partner who injected drugs (X²=11.9, p=0.001). Of those with non-IDU main sex partners, 47% recently shared a needle and 90% shared other injection paraphernalia. Most (70%) participants with an IDU main sex partner share needles with the partner. No significant difference in duration of injection exists between those with IDU and non-IDU main sex partners. Men with non-IDU main sex partners are more likely to have multiple sex partners (X²=7.8, p=0.005). Participants with IDU main sex partners are less likely to use a condom with other sex partners compared to those who have non-IDU partners (X²=6.5, p=0.011). Conclusion: Suburban IDUs engage in high-risk drug and sexual practices that place sex partners at increased risk for infection with STIs. Sexual partnerships with non-IDUs make suburban IDUs a potential bridge group for transmitting a variety of STIs.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify high-risk injection and sexual practices among young suburban IDUs.
• Assess potential risks of HIV and other STI transmission into the general population.
• Identify prevention opportunities targeting young suburban IDUs and their sex partners.

Keywords: Injecting Drug Use, Sexual Risk Behavior

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.