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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Recorded presentation

Hugh A. Klein, PhD¹, Kirk W. Elifson, PhD², and Claire E. Sterk, PhD¹. (1) Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 401 Schuyler Road, Silver Spring, MD 20910, 301-588-8875, hughk@aol.com, (2) Department of Sociology, Georgia State University, General Classroom Building, Atlanta, GA 30303

PURPOSE: This paper compares high-end and low-end polydrug abusers who use ecstasy to compare their involvement in HIV-related risk practices and to identify the factors that differentiate the two groups (besides their drug use).

METHODS: The study took place in the Atlanta metropolitan area between 2002 and 2004. 283 young adult ecstasy users completed face-to-face interviews assisted by computer-assisted structured interviewing (i.e., CASI). Street outreach efforts were used to identify potential study participants, with expansion of the sample done via targeted sampling and ethnographic mapping procedures.

RESULTS: Compared to low-end polydrug abusers, high-end polydrug abusing ecstasy users were at greater risk for acquiring HIV because of more sexual encounters, proportionally less condom use, lower condom use self-efficacy levels, more total drug use, and more behaviors to boost their highs. Multivariate logistic regression identified six factors differentiating the two groups of ecstasy users: race, sexual orientation, knowing someone who had died from AIDS, having binged on ecstasy at least once, earlier age of first drug use, and lower self-esteem.

CONCLUSIONS: Ecstasy users who also use many other drugs are at greater risk for acquiring HIV than their lower-end using peers. In particular, the elevated risk seems greatest for Caucasians, persons who were not heterosexual, people who did not know someone who had died from AIDS, those who had binged on ecstasy, those who began using drugs at an earlier age, and those with lower self-esteem. Targeted outreach efforts are needed for these groups.

Learning Objectives: At the end of this session, participants will develop a better understanding of

• the factors differentiating high-end and low-end polydrug abusers who are regular users of ecstasy,
• the differences in the levels of HIV-related risk for these two groups, and
• specific steps that might be taken in order to reduce these risks.

Keywords: Drug Abuse, HIV Risk Behavior

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No

Recorded presentation