Young Thai women who use methamphetamine: Sexual partnerships and social influences

Background: Methamphetamine (MA) use remains common among young people in Thailand and has been associated with increased sexual risk behavior in a variety of populations. To understand this association among young Thai women, we examined women's sexual partnerships, social network characteristics and drug and alcohol use. Methods: 320 young female MA users in an HIV behavioral trial in Chiang Mai completed a quantitative survey and social network inventory. Multinomial regression analyses examined individual and network characteristics comparing women with multiple male partners (37%) in the past year to those with only one male partner (39%) and only female partners (24%). 25 women also completed in-depth interviews, which were coded for emergent themes. Results: Results indicate differing profiles of risk among young Thai MA-using women. Consistent condom use was very low (12%) among those with male partners. Those with multiple partners reported an average of five past year male partners, used MA and alcohol more frequently and had greater levels of MA use among partners and network members. Qualitative data indicate that gender and communication norms and partner-specific risk perceptions regarding STIs, HIV and pregnancy contribute to likelihood of condom use. Perceptions of the influence of MA on sexual behavior are mixed. Conclusions: Targeted prevention efforts are drastically needed among young Thai women and may benefit from consideration of the diversity and varied social influences within the population.