       Document 0350
 DOCN  M9550350
 TI    High-risk behaviors for HIV: a comparison between crack-abusing and
       opioid-abusing African-American women.
 DT    9505
 AU    Cohen E; Navaline H; Metzger D; University of Pennsylvania/Veterans
       Administration Medical; Center, Center for Studies of Addiction,
       Philadelphia 19104.
 SO    J Psychoactive Drugs. 1994 Jul-Sep;26(3):233-41. Unique Identifier :
       AIDSLINE MED/95147096
 AB    High rates of unprotected sexual behaviors and the exchange of sex for
       crack have been reported among female crack cocaine users. This
       subpopulation of drug users is at significant risk for contracting and
       transmitting HIV and AIDS. To date, there has been no research comparing
       crack- and opioid-abusing women, particularly regarding their
       involvement in high-risk behaviors and other key background indicators
       for different subgroups of drug-abusing women. Sixty-one crack-abusing
       African-American women who recently entered an intensive outpatient
       treatment program were compared to 64 matched women whose primary drug
       of abuse was heroin. The opioid subgroup represented both those who were
       involved in methadone maintenance and those who were out of treatment.
       Higher rates of high-risk sexual behaviors were reported by the crack
       subgroup, including prostitution, number of sexual partners, and
       infrequency of condom use. As expected, i.v. drug use and high-risk
       behaviors associated with needle use were much higher among the opioid
       subgroup. Other significant differences were found between the two
       groups across key indicators. Individuals in the crack subgroup were
       younger, cared for more children, were less employable, were less likely
       to be married, and had more extensive lifetime substance abuse.
       Quantitative and qualitative background and clinical data are also
       presented. The nature of crack versus heroin abuse is also discussed,
       particularly in relation to high-risk sexual behaviors. Finally, the
       impact of the findings on developing appropriate treatment interventions
       for both groups is addressed.
 DE    Adolescence  Adult  *Blacks  Comparative Study  Contraception Behavior
       *Crack Cocaine  Female  Human  HIV Infections/*PSYCHOLOGY/TRANSMISSION
       *Narcotics  Prostitution  *Risk-Taking  Sex Behavior  Socioeconomic
       Factors  Substance Abuse/*PSYCHOLOGY  Substance Abuse,
       Intravenous/PSYCHOLOGY  Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.  United States
       JOURNAL ARTICLE

       SOURCE: National Library of Medicine.  NOTICE: This material may be
       protected by Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.Code).

