Associations of types of substances with condomless sex in vulnerable people living with HIV/AIDS

Abstract

ABSTRACTFor people living with HIV who are not readily retained in medical care, substance use can contribute to risky sexual behavior that may lead to HIV transmission. This cross-sectional study examined the relationship between stimulants versus opioids and condomless sex in a sample of 223 vulnerable people living with HIV/AIDS. We examined the associations of stimulant and opioid use in the past 30 days with condomless sex while controlling for sample characteristics. More than two thirds (69%) reported having condomless sex in the past six months. Results showed a positive association between condomless sex and any illicit substance use (AOR: 2.82; 95% CI: 1.29–6.17; P = 0.009) or stimulant use (AOR: 2.54; 95% CI: 1.04–6.24; P = 0.041) in the past 30 days. These findings suggest the importance of promoting behavioral interventions that increase consistent condom use and reduce stimulant use among people who have difficulties with HIV care retention.