Relationship Characteristics Associated With Anal Sex Among Female Drug Users

via Sexually Transmitted Diseases 

June 2010 - Volume 37 - Issue 6 - pp 346-351

doi: 10.1097/OLQ.0b013e3181c71d61

Mackesy-Amiti, Mary Ellen PHD; McKirnan, David J. PHD; Ouellet, Lawrence J. PHD

Background: 

Anal sex is an important yet little studied HIV risk behavior for women.

Methods: 

Using information collected on recent sexual encounters, we examined the influence of sex partner and relationship characteristics on the likelihood of engaging in anal sex among women with a high risk of HIV infection.

Results: 

Anal sex was nearly 3 times more common among actively bisexual women (OR = 2.96, 95% CI: 2.17–4.03). Women were more likely to have anal sex with partners who injected drugs (OR = 2.32, 95% CI: 1.44–3.75), were not heterosexual (OR = 1.85, 95% CI: 1.18–2.90), and with whom they exchanged money or drugs for sex (OR = 1.79, 95% CI: 1.10–2.90). The likelihood of anal sex also increased with the number of nights sleeping together (OR = 1.15, 95% CI: 1.06–1.24). In contrast, emotional closeness and social closeness were not associated with anal sex. Condom use during anal sex was uncommon, and did not vary according to partner or relationship characteristics.

Conclusions: 

Our findings support the need for HIV prevention interventions that target anal sex among heterosexuals, particularly in drug-using populations residing in neighborhoods with elevated levels of HIV prevalence.

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