Gender differences in sexual behaviors, sexual partnerships, and HIV among drug users in New York City

Abstract

We compared sexual behaviors/partnerships and determined sexual risk correlates associated with HIV by gender among street-recruited drug users using chi-square tests and logistic regression. Men reported higher risk sexual behaviors, yet fewer high-risk sexual partners than women. After adjustment, HIV seropositive men were more likely than seronegatives to be older, MSM, use condoms, and have an HIV-infected partner. HIV seropositive women were more likely to be older, have an HIV-infected partner, and not use non-injected heroin. IDU was not associated with HIV. Prospective studies are needed to determine how gender-specific sexual behaviors/partnerships among drug users affect HIV acquisition.