Gender differences in the rates and and correlates of HIV risk behaviors among drug abusers.

This study, ancillary investigation CTN-0039-S, examined gender differences in the rates and correlates of HIV risk behaviors among 1429 clients participating in five multi-site clinical trials throughout the United States between 2001 and 2005 as part of the National Drug Abuse Treatment Clinical Trials Network (protocols CTN-0001, CTN-0002, CTN-0005, CTN-0006, and CTN-0007). Analyses found that women engaged in higher risk sexual behaviors. Greater alcohol use and psychiatric severity were associated with higher risk behaviors for women, while impaired social relations were associated with decreased risk for men. Specific risk factors were differentially predictive of HIV risk behaviors for women and men, highlighting the need for gender-specific risk-reduction interventions.

The findings suggest that there is a context or culture in which HIV risk behaviors occur as well as individual differences in the presence of risk factors associated with engaging in HIV risk behaviors. HIV risk-reduction efforts therefore need to expand beyond condom distribution, needle exchange programs, and basic HIV education in treatment programs to include comprehensive risk assessment and targeted interventions for sub-groups of women and men most vulnerable to HIV infection. Limitations of this study are also discussed.

Related protocols: CTN-0039-S