Abstract
Noninjecting illicit drug users (NIDUs) present high risk for HIV infection, due especially to transactional sex. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence and risk factors for transactional sex among NIDUs in the Southwest region of Goiás State, Central Brazil. The prevalence of self-reported transactional sex was 22.8%. Prevalence in women and men was 52.7% and 16.8%, respectively, a significant difference (p < 0.001). Crack use and history of sexually transmitted infections (STI) were risk factors for transactional sex in men. Homelessness, crack use, sex under the influence of drugs, and history of sexual violence were risk factors for transactional sex in women. A high prevalence of transactional sex was observed among NIDUs. This risk behavior may contribute to the high rates of HIV among this population and their social networks and in the general population.
Highlights
Noninjecting illicit drug users (NIDUs), those taking crack, are very vulnerable to Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection
Some factors, such as female sex, crack use, mental illness, homelessness, binge drinking, sexual violence, and risk behaviors [6, 7], have been associated with transactional sex among illicit drug users. Knowledge of these factors can contribute to public actions and policies to prevent and control sexually transmitted infections (STI) in NIDUs, such as intensifying health promotion activities for certain subgroups that are more vulnerable to transactional sex
323 NIDUs were recruited, representing 85.0% of individuals admitted to the institutions, in the morning and afternoon
Summary
Noninjecting illicit drug users (NIDUs), those taking crack, are very vulnerable to Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection. Studies have shown high rates of transactional sex among NIDUs, and this behavior is strongly associated with HIV infection [1, 3,4,5,6] in these populations In this respect, transactional sex among NIDUs increases the risk of spreading HIV to their social networks and the general population. Transactional sex among NIDUs increases the risk of spreading HIV to their social networks and the general population Some factors, such as female sex, crack use, mental illness, homelessness, binge drinking, sexual violence, and risk behaviors [6, 7], have been associated with transactional sex among illicit drug users. Knowledge of these factors can contribute to public actions and policies to prevent and control STI in NIDUs, such as intensifying health promotion activities for certain subgroups that are more vulnerable to transactional sex
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