HIV risk correlates among non-injection cocaine dependent men in treatment

AIDS Educ Prev. 1996 Jun;8(3):226-35.

Abstract

Guided by the AIDS Risk Reduction Model (ARRM), psychosocial correlates of HIV risk behavior were examined among noninjection cocaine dependent, heterosexual men (NI-CD-HM) in treatment. Subjects (N = 111) completed a structured interview to measure ARRM mediating variables and HIV risk behaviors. The results indicated that greater perceived susceptibility to contracting HIV, lower sexual self-efficacy, higher lifetime incidence of sexually transmitted diseases, and being under the influence of alcohol or other drugs during sex predicted having more sexual partners in the month prior to admission. Despite adequate knowledge of safer sex guidelines, subjects remained misinformed regarding certain aspects of HIV transmission. Men who perceived that their partners viewed condoms more positively and who exchanged drugs for sex were more likely to use condoms, yet condom use skills were typically inadequate to ensure effective prevention. These results suggest that HIV prevention interventions among NI-CD-HM should focus on improving knowledge, enhancing beliefs in the capacity to enact safer sex behaviors for preventing HIV and other STDs, building relevant skills (e.g., condom use, open sexual communication between partners), and emphasizing psychoactive substance abstinence. Couple interventions, in which partners actually rehearse safer sex negotiations, may be particularly effective in this regard.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / prevention & control
  • Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / transmission*
  • Cocaine*
  • Condoms / statistics & numerical data
  • Florida / epidemiology
  • HIV Infections / prevention & control
  • HIV Infections / transmission*
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Opioid-Related Disorders / epidemiology*
  • Opioid-Related Disorders / rehabilitation
  • Patient Admission / statistics & numerical data
  • Risk Factors
  • Sexual Behavior
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases / prevention & control
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases / transmission
  • United States
  • Veterans / statistics & numerical data*

Substances

  • Cocaine