Sexual practices, knowledge and perception of risks about sexually transmitted infections in a group of Puerto Rican Baby Boomers Injecting Drug Users

Background: Population ageism and the increasing number of elderly people, along with improvements in quality of life, has encouraged behavioral changes related to sexuality, providing more active affective relationships to people. Objective: To identify the sexual practices, knowledge and risk perception about sexually transmitted diseases in Puerto Rican Baby Boomer who are injecting drug users. Method: A cross-sectional exploratory pilot study, with a non-probabilistic sample of 50 individuals (25 females and 25 males) participating in a Needle Exchange Program was conducted. Face to Face interviews were performed in a survey to determine the sexual practices, knowledge and STI risk perception. Results: 73.3% of the participants practice oral sex without condoms; 69% vaginal sex without condoms and 39.3% anal sex without condoms. Nevertheless, 32% of the participants were unaware that STIs could be transmitted through oral sex. Indeed, 66.7% and 76.7% of the participants had not used condom the last time they had sexual intercourse and had oral sex, respectively. Participants in general perceived they are at risk to acquire STI [over 80%] independently of their sexual practices. Conclusion: Actions for health promotion related to STI should take into account individuals' sexual behavior and information about their sexual practices, and also consider specific information for populations regarding STIs knowledge.