Differences in Sexual Risk Behaviors among Male and Female HIV-Seronegative Heterosexual Methamphetamine Users

Abstract

Background-Despite increased awareness and attention towards methamphetamine (MA) use among men who have sex with men (MSM), few studies have examined behaviors and effects of MA use among heterosexual populations.

Testing for amphetamine-type stimulant (ATS) use to ascertain validity of self-reported ATS use among young female sex workers in Cambodia

“…Although yama pills are swallowed, both forms are usually melted and the vapors inhaled, resulting in rapid neurologic effects [11,12]. Use of ATS has been associated with elevated HIV risk behavior in many countries and in several population subgroups [3,9,[13][14][15][16][17][18][19]. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) reports that use of these drugs is widespread in Asia and increasing rapidly in Cambodia [20].…”

Intimate Partner Violence and Reproductive Health Among Methamphetamine-Using Women in Los Angeles: A Qualitative Pilot Study

“…Almost no studies have investigated women as perpetrators of IPV in relation to meth use. Because female meth users report greater overlap in their intimate partners and drug network, they are more likely to report initiation of meth use by an intimate partner and more likely to share meth or needles with such a partner (Cheng et al 2009). In one large treatment trial, 80% of 562 female participants with meth dependence reported abuse or violence at the hands of their partners; 40% experienced both physical and sexual abuse (Cohen et al 2003).…”

Long-Term Use of Methamphetamine Disrupts the Menstrual Cycles and Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Ovarian Axis

“…The prevalence of ATS dependence is high in women (Brecht et al, 2004). Clinical studies have demonstrated a higher prevalence of mood disorders and psychiatric disorders in female methamphetamine (MA) users (Lin et al, 2004;Cottler et al, 2005;Cheng et al, 2009). A higher rate of suicidal ideation has also been reported in females (Lin et al, 2004).…”

“…Furthermore, it is well known that the use of MA greatly increases the risk of sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted gestation in women because it facilitates unprotected sexual behavior (German et al, 2008;Liao et al, 2011). Women usually have easy access to ATSs and prefer them because of their effects of sexual arousal and weight loss (Cohen et al, 2007;Cheng et al, 2009). It is supposed that they may suffer from poor reproductive functions because of excessive weight loss, unhealthy lifestyle, and the direct effect of the ATSs.…”