175813 Methamphetamine use and sexual risk: A comparison of Mexican and Mexican-American women in the San Diego/Tijuana border region

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Bridget Rogala, MPH, CHES , Substance Abuse Foundation of Long Beach, Inc., Long Beach, CA
Javier Lopez-Zetina, PhD, MA , Department of Health Science, California State University, Long Beach, Long Beach, CA
Objectives: In California, the border counties of San Diego and Imperial exhibit some of the highest methamphetamine (MA) use in the US. On both sides of the border, women constitute roughly 50% of the population, while women of childbearing age account for approximately 24%. Epidemiological portraits that reflect the sociocultural, economic and physical environments in which women develop are lacking, with particular regard to MA use as women represent 43% of treatment admissions in the US. This study will examine MA use and sexual risk among Mexican women in treatment on both sides of the border.

Methods: Cross-sectional assessment of drug using and sexual behaviors to identify differential presentation of risk factors. Data was collected via survey from women attending treatment facilities in San Diego, California (n=59) and Tijuana, Mexico (n=70) in 2005-2007.

Results: MA use and sexual risk among Mexican women on both sides of the border will be examined in the context of number of sexual partners, utilization of HIV testing, prevalence of STI, polydrug use, frequency of MA use, route of administration, and sensation-seeking behavior.

Discussion: MA use is a border health priority that requires bi-national effort and perspective. Interdisciplinary border-focused research is necessary to identify, promote, and organize interventions that address the origins of drug abuse, the consequences of addiction, and the factors that influence relapse & recovery. The role of gender and culture are fundamental to efficacious design and implementation of substance-abuse programs in the San Diego/Tijuana border region.

Learning Objectives:
Identify differences in drug use patterns among Mexican women on both sides of the border. List sexual risk behaviors that are related to methamphetamine use. Recognize the role of gender and culture in substance abuse prevention.

Keywords: Substance Abuse, Women and HIV/AIDS

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am a member of the research team.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.