History of Forced Sex in Association With Drug Use and Sexual HIV Risk Behaviors, Infection With STDs, and Diagnostic Medical Care

Abstract

Data from a population-based, door-to-door survey of young women were used to investigate the relationship between forced sex and STD/HIV risk behaviors and history of diagnostic medical care. The Young Women Survey recruited women from low-income neighborhoods within five California counties including and near San Francisco. A history of forced sex was related to use of alcohol and illicit drugs, injection drug use, history of anal intercourse, sex with an injection drug user, and prostitution. Women who had experienced forced sex reported a younger age for first vaginal intercourse, a greater number of lifetime male sex partners, and more acts of vaginal intercourse, but were less likely to have sex with condoms. Associations were also found between forced sex and reported STD-related symptoms and diagnosis. Not surprisingly, women reporting forced sex perceived themselves to be at greater risk for HIV infection, but were less likely to have had an HIV test or a routine gynecological checkup.