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Patricia B. Wright, MPH, RN, Division of Health Services Research, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 5800 W. 10th st., Suite 605, Little Rock, AR 72204, 501-660-7522, wrightpatriciab@uams.edu

Objective: To identify racial and gender differences in HIV risk behaviors among rural stimulant users in the South.

Significance: There is little research on rural stimulant use, nor regarding stimulant use and HIV/AIDS in rural areas.

Methods: Participants were recruited from three rural counties in the Arkansas Delta and three rural counties in western Kentucky. Participants had to be 18 years of age or older, a resident of a participating county, used crack cocaine, powdered cocaine, or methamphetamine within the past 30 days, and currently not in substance abuse treatment. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with each participant using computer-assisted (CAPI) technology. Five HIV risk behaviors were measured: drug injection, condom use, number of sex partners, using drugs with sex, and trading sex for drugs or money. Multivariate logistic regression determined if racial and gender differences for HIV risk remained after adjusting for site, age, heavy drinking, and type of stimulant used.

Results: Of 449 participants, 41% were women and 41% were African American. Significant racial and gender differences were found. Men were more likely than women to have ever injected drugs or traded sex. Blacks were more likely than whites to have ever traded sex, always used condoms, had multiple sex partners, or used drugs with sex. Blacks were less likely than whites to have ever injected drugs.

Conclusions: HIV-prevention strategies should be tailored to address the specific needs and characteristics of rural stimulant users.

Learning Objectives: