We propose to investigate correlates of sexual risk and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among female methamphetamine (MA) users in San Francisco, CA. While prevalent on the West Coast for decades, MA use is a rapidly growing problem nationwide. These trends have sparked intensive exploration of associations between MA use and sexual risk among gay and bisexual men. However, less is known about MA use among women, even though they represent 40% of MA treatment admissions in the United States. The handful of studies that have explored HIV risk among female MA users have found a high prevalence of sexual risks, including unprotected anal and vaginal intercourse, multiple sexual partners, and sex work. The proposed study seeks to establish a more comprehensive understanding of female MA users and the factors associated with sexual risk among them, using quantitative and qualitative methods. We will use the social ecological model of health to frame the investigation in terms of individual, interpersonal, structural, and cultural factors that affect sexual risk among female MA users.
Specific Aims are:
Aim 1 : To determine what individual-level factors (patterns of MA use, polydrug use, psychological morbidities, and other factors) are associated with sexual risk among female MA users.
Aim 2 : To determine what interpersonal-level factors (partner type, intimate relationship characteristics, dependent children) are associated with sexual risk among female MA users.
Aim 3 : To determine what structural-level factors (homelessness, incarceration, venues of sex and drug use) are associated with sexual risk among female MA users.
Aim 4 : To determine what cultural-level factors (race/ethnicity, gender norms, religion) are associated with sexual risk among female MA users. The quantitative component will consist of a cross-sectional study of 400 female MA users recruited over 2 years using targeted sampling methods. Study participants will be interviewed and screened for STIs (gonorrhea, chlamydia, herpes, and syphilis) and HIV. The qualitative component will investigate in detail the context and circumstances of specific sexual risks by interviewing 50 female MA users. The final phase of the proposed research will synthesize the quantitative and qualitative findings to yield recommendations for gender-specific and culturally appropriate interventions at the individual, interpersonal, and structural levels. The proposed study addresses an understudied and important public health issue: MA use among women. ? ? ?
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| Lutnick, Alexandra; Harris, Jennie; Lorvick, Jennifer et al. (2015) Examining the associations between sex trade involvement, rape, and symptomatology of sexual abuse trauma. J Interpers Violence 30:1847-63 |
| Lorvick, Jennifer; Lutnick, Alexandra; Wenger, Lynn D et al. (2014) Non-partner violence against women who use drugs in San Francisco. Violence Against Women 20:1285-98 |
| Powelson, Elisabeth; Lorvick, Jennifer; Lutnick, Alexandra et al. (2014) Unmet healthcare need among women who use methamphetamine in San Francisco. Subst Use Misuse 49:243-52 |
| Lopez, Andrea M; Bourgois, Philippe; Wenger, Lynn D et al. (2013) Interdisciplinary mixed methods research with structurally vulnerable populations: case studies of injection drug users in San Francisco. Int J Drug Policy 24:101-9 |
| Lutnick, Alexandra; Lorvick, Jennifer; Cheng, Helen et al. (2012) What's Faith Got to Do with It? Religiosity Among Women Who Use Methamphetamine. J Soc Work Pract Addict 12:189-204 |
| Lorvick, Jennifer; Bourgois, Philippe; Wenger, Lynn D et al. (2012) Sexual pleasure and sexual risk among women who use methamphetamine: a mixed methods study. Int J Drug Policy 23:385-92 |
| Leserman Robbins, Jonathan; Lorvick, Jennifer; Lutnick, Alexandra et al. (2012) Self-reported oral health needs and dental-care seeking behavior among women who use methamphetamine. Subst Use Misuse 47:1208-13 |
| Kral, Alex H; Lorvick, Jennifer; Martinez, Alexis et al. (2011) HIV prevalence and risk among heterosexual methamphetamine injectors in California. Subst Use Misuse 46:1081-9 |
| Kral, Alex H; Wenger, Lynn; Carpenter, Lisa et al. (2010) Acceptability of a safer injection facility among injection drug users in San Francisco. Drug Alcohol Depend 110:160-3 |
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