Drug use and HIV risk-related sex behaviors: A street outreach study of black adults

Background. Our street outreach project investigated the relationship between use of noninjecting drugs (alcohol, marijuana, cocaine) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) risk-related sex behaviors of black adults. The study focused on three HIV-related risks: multiple sex partners, unprotected sex, and drugs during sex. Methods. Data for this study were collected in a street outreach community survey for a drug abuse and HIV intervention study in Birmingham, Ala. A total of 780 black men and women completed the survey. Results. High-risk sex behaviors were far more prevalent among cocaine users than marijuana or alcohol users. A greater number of cocaine users reported having multiple sex partners, not using condoms, and using drugs during sex. Female cocaine users showed the same risk level for HIV infection as male cocaine users. Conclusions. Increased risk of HIV infection through sexual transmission is associated with use of noninjecting cocaine for both men and women. Condom use should be considered as a major component of HIV prevention programs.