Risk of sexual abuse among ecstasy users differs by gender and other drug use

Abstract

Aims: Ecstasy users espouse PLUR (peace, love, unity, and respect) and may have lower risk for sexual abuse than other drug users. We hypothesized that among ecstasy and marijuana users, those who use other illicit drugs have a higher likelihood of experiencing lifetime sexual abuse, especially females. Methods: Data come from the Tri-City study which recruited 644 recent ecstasy users, 16–59 years of age, from three sites in Florida,Missouri and Australia. Self-reported lifetime alcohol,marijuana, and other drug use (cocaine, heroin, sedatives, stimulants, opium, PCP, inhalants, hallucinogens, and steroids), lifetime sexual abuse, sex with a same sex partner, exchanging club drugs for sex, and number of sex partners were among the variables assessed. Analysis was restricted to 18–35 year olds (n=608) to reduce variance in years at risk. Results: Overall, 38% endorsed ecstasy and marijuana use only, of which 12% reported lifetime sexual abuse. Among 62% who endorsed additional illicit drug use, 20% reported lifetime sexual abuse. Multivariate analysis showed an increased risk of lifetime sexual abuse for females, those havingmore sex partners, and same sex partners, and for those who used additional drugs. Separate logistic regression analyses showed that among women, having 3 or more sex partners versus less than 3 increased the odds of reporting sexual abuse (OR=3.0). Among men, additional drug use (OR=4.1) and exchanging club drugs for sex (OR=3.2) increased the risk of sexual abuse compared to their counterparts. Conclusions: The risk of lifetime sexual abuse is higher among ecstasy and marijuana users who use additional illicit drugs than ecstasy and marijuana users alone. Gender differences in lifetime sexual abuse indicate a possible need for gender-specific interventions to reduce the riskof sexual abuseamongecstasyusers. Further studies are needed to assess temporality. Financial support: NIDA R01 DA-14854 (Cottler, PI).